Gloucester, MA: High Radon Risk — 63/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The systems supplying Gloucester vary in performance across MA benchmarks — most meet minimum federal standards, but documented violations in select areas are on record.
How Gloucester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Gloucester Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.003 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.73.
Water Systems Serving Gloucester
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Gloucester, MA, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Gloucester, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 29,862 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Gloucester — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Gloucester: C (63/100)
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
Gloucester water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0030 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)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01930 | C | Gloucester Public Utility Division | 37,440 |
| 01931 | B | Gloucester Public Utility Division | 37,440 |
All ZIP Codes in Gloucester
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 Gloucester
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
Gloucester: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Gloucester, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Gloucester are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,800–$3,650 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% above the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Gloucester
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 Gloucester 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 Gloucester
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Gloucester shows 394 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Gloucester has a moderate flood history with 394 FEMA claims averaging $16,046 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>$2,700</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 Gloucester
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Gloucester, MA