Dalton, MA Water Safety: 81/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Dalton's tap water quality puts it in MA's upper tier — health-based violations are rare and the compliance record is consistently above average.
How Dalton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Dalton Water
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.11 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Dalton
For most households in Dalton, MA, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Dalton, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 6,304 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Dalton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dalton: B (81/100)
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
Dalton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01226 | B | Dalton Fire District | 6,330 |
| 01227 | B | Dalton Fire District | 6,330 |
All ZIP Codes in Dalton
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 Dalton
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
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Dalton Homeowners
In Dalton, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Dalton are relatively low compared to home values. The $400–$1,700 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% below the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Dalton
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.
Lead risk in Dalton appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Dalton
FEMA data shows 50% of Dalton's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 11 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Dalton has a moderate flood history with 11 FEMA claims averaging $4,232 per payout. 50% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$1,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dalton, MA