Hardwick, MA: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Hardwick water quality is uneven — some service areas show clean compliance; others carry documented violations in MA EPA records.
How Hardwick Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hardwick Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0012 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 64% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.17 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Hardwick
With 3 utilities splitting service in Hardwick, MA, water accountability is distributed across 4 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hardwick, Massachusetts (population ~486), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 1,769 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hardwick — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hardwick: C (66/100)
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
Hardwick water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0012 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01037 | C | Gilbertville Water District | 1,089 |
All ZIP Codes in Hardwick
- 01037 [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.
CDC Health Data for Hardwick
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
How Old Is Hardwick's Housing Stock?
With 64% 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
The median home in Hardwick was built in 1978 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Hardwick 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.
Hardwick: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Hardwick sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Hardwick are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 27% below the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hardwick
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 64% of Hardwick stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hardwick
- 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 64% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hardwick, MA