Dedham, MA: 2 Health Violations — 77/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Dedham tap water earns a high safety grade — above-average compliance with MA and federal standards.
How Dedham Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Dedham Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 2 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.28.
Water Systems Serving Dedham
Water delivery in Dedham, 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.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Dedham, Massachusetts (population ~25,109), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 717,277 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dedham: B (77/100)
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
Dedham water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02026 | B | 1 | 1 | Dedham Westwood Water District |
| 02027 | B | 1 | 1 | Dedham Westwood Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Dedham
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.
CDC Health Data for Dedham
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Dedham
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Dedham: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Dedham comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Dedham are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$3,950 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Dedham
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 Dedham 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Dedham
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Dedham shows a moderate flood record — 78 claims and 50% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Dedham has a moderate flood history with 78 FEMA claims averaging $15,437 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>$2,500</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 Dedham, MA