Salem, CT: High Radon Risk - Home Safety Score unavailable
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
Data: EPA SDWIS
Salem Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 48% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
Water Systems Serving Salem
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in Salem, CT. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Salem, Connecticut, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,323 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Water Sources
Salem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0015 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06420 | — | Green Village Ii | 96 |
All ZIP Codes in Salem
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
How Old Is Salem's Housing Stock?
With 48% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 construction carries elevated plumbing-era lead risk because lead solder was widely used before that federal ban. In Salem, the median build year of 1983 indicates a housing stock where that older fraction represents a significant share of the residential inventory.
Most homes in Salem were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Salem: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Salem homeowners is proportionally favorable - addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Salem are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,750–$3,900 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 9% below the Connecticut average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Salem
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted - but 48% of the Salem inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical Flood-Claim Evidence for Salem
Historical NFIP data for Salem contains 2 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $1,627. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 0% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. The <strong>$2,700</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Salem, CT