Fall River, MA: 5 Violations — 62/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Fall River water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in MA EPA records.
How Fall River Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Fall River, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Fall River's 5 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Fall River Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 5 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 86% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,120 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.02 — above typical levels.
Fall River's Water Providers
The structure of water supply in Fall River, MA is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Fall River, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 92,854 people.
5 of 5 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fall River: C (62/100)
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
Fall River water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0120 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): 5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 2400 | Other | 6 | 5 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02720 | C | 1 | 0 | Fall River Water Department |
| 02721 | C | 1 | 0 | Fall River Water Department |
| 02722 | C | 1 | 0 | Fall River Water Department |
| 02723 | C | 1 | 0 | Fall River Water Department |
| 02724 | C | 1 | 0 | Fall River Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Fall River
- 02720 [C] — 1 violation
- 02721 [C] — 1 violation
- 02722 [C] — 1 violation
- 02723 [C] — 1 violation
- 02724 [C] — 1 violation
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.
Fall River Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Fall River's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Fall River Infrastructure Age
With 86% 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 more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Fall River's median build year of 1946 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Fall River 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Fall River
Because property values in Fall River comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Fall River are relatively low compared to home values. The $480–$1,880 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 35% below the Massachusetts average.
Fall River: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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 Fall River represents 86% 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.
Fall River: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Fall River shows a moderate flood record — 24 claims and 60% 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.
Fall River has a moderate flood history with 24 FEMA claims averaging $5,088 per payout. 60% 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>$1,120</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.
What You Can Do in Fall River
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Contaminant 2400 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Fall River's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 86% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fall River, MA