Fitchburg, MA: High Radon Risk — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're checking Fitchburg, MA tap water safety, the short answer is: average — violations are present in parts of the city and specifics depend on which water system serves your address.
How Fitchburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Fitchburg Residents
- Average lead level: 0.005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 85% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.17 — above typical levels.
Fitchburg's Water Providers
Federal drinking water records identify 3 systems in Fitchburg, MA. The leading 3 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (population ~41,677), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 83,659 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Fitchburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fitchburg: C (65/100)
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
Fitchburg water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0050 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01420 | C | Fitchburg Dpw Division of Water Supply | 41,946 |
All ZIP Codes in Fitchburg
- 01420 [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.
Fitchburg 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
Fitchburg Infrastructure Age
With 85% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Fitchburg, the median build year of 1940 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg
Within the Fitchburg market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Fitchburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% below the Massachusetts average.
Fitchburg: 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.
85% of Fitchburg housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Fitchburg: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Fitchburg is meaningful by NFIP measures — 35 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Fitchburg has a moderate flood history with 35 FEMA claims averaging $11,015 per payout. 100% 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>$2,200</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 Fitchburg
- 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 85% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fitchburg, MA