Holyoke, MA Water Safety: 71/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Holyoke, MA: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Holyoke Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Holyoke Residents
- Average lead level: 0.009 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.38 — above typical levels.
Holyoke's Water Providers
The structure of water supply in Holyoke, 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 2 ZIP codes in Holyoke, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 37,949 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Holyoke — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Holyoke: B (71/100)
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
Holyoke water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0090 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01040 | C | Holyoke Water Works | 40,124 |
| 01041 | B | Holyoke Water Works | 40,124 |
All ZIP Codes in Holyoke
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.
Holyoke 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Holyoke
Given current Holyoke valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Holyoke are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 55% below the Massachusetts average.
Holyoke: 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.
Lead risk in Holyoke 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.
Holyoke: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Holyoke falls in moderate-exposure territory — 21 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 50% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Holyoke has a moderate flood history with 21 FEMA claims averaging $4,866 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>$1,600</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 Holyoke, MA