CITY REPORT MA

Babson Park, MA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03

A meaningful share of water systems in Babson Park have recorded health-based violations in recent MA monitoring periods — placing the city in the lower tier for tap water safety.

How Babson Park Compares

Babson Park53/100
Massachusetts avg66/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
2
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
D · 53
Avg Safety Score
Zone 2
Radon Risk (Moderate)
$400
Est. Remediation

What You Should Know About Babson Park Water

  • Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 10.28.

Who Supplies Your Water in Babson Park

Water delivery in Babson Park, MA is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.

NEEDHAM WATER DEPT
Serves ~33,130 people
53
/100
WELLESLEY WATER DIVISION
Serves ~29,550 people
53
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Babson Park, Massachusetts (population ~1,886), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 62,680 people region-wide.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Babson Park — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Babson Park: D (53/100)

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

Babson Park water systems draw from: Surface water.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for Babson Park
  • 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
02457 D WELLESLEY WATER DIVISION 29,550

All ZIP Codes in Babson Park

Data Sources

Updated daily.

Health Outcomes in Babson Park

10.7%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
9%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
14.6%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 10.7% ↑
Diabetes 9% ↓
Mental Health 14.6% ↓

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

Housing & Infrastructure in Babson Park

1951
Median Build Year
100%
Built Before 1986
53%
Built Before 1970
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 100% 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

When a city's housing median build year is 1951, as in Babson Park, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.

1951
Median Year Built
100%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
53%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (53%) 1970–1986 (47%) Post-1986 (0%)

Over half of homes in Babson Park 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.

Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Babson Park

100%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

Older stock in Babson Park represents 100% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

What You Can Do in Babson Park

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
  4. Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in Babson Park, MA?
Babson Park has an average water safety score of 53/100 (Grade D). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does Babson Park compare to Massachusetts average?
Babson Park has an average water safety score of 53/100, which is below the Massachusetts state average of 66/100.
How many water systems serve Babson Park?
Babson Park is served by 2 public water systems across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 1,886 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in Babson Park?
Estimated remediation costs in Babson Park average $400 per household, ranging from $0 to $800. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
HomeCitiesMassachusetts → Babson Park, MA

Get safety alerts for Babson Park, Massachusetts

Free updates when EPA data changes for this area. No spam.

Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy.

Share This Page

X Facebook
Check your water filter options Free tool — no phone call required.