Allston, MA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Allston's water quality grade in MA reflects a middle-ground assessment — service areas range from fully compliant to violation-flagged in current EPA records.
How Allston Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Allston Water
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.05.
Who Supplies Your Water in Allston
Multiple utilities divide Allston, MA's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Allston, Massachusetts (population ~17,637), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 738,838 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Allston — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Allston: C (63/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Allston water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Allston
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02134 | C | Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) | 675,647 |
All ZIP Codes in Allston
- 02134 [C]
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Allston
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Housing & Infrastructure in Allston
With 81% 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 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Allston — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1946 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Allston were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Allston Homeowners
Given current Allston valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Allston are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% above the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Allston
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 81% of Allston homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Allston
Historically, Allston has seen minimal flood insurance activity under the NFIP, placing it in a low-exposure category where flood-driven water quality disruptions are uncommon.
Allston has a relatively low flood history with 3 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Allston
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 81% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Allston, MA