Indian Orchard, MA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Indian Orchard, water quality data indicates below-average safety by MA standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Indian Orchard Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Indian Orchard Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 87% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.38 — above typical levels.
Indian Orchard's Water Providers
For most households in Indian Orchard, MA, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Indian Orchard, Massachusetts (population ~9,627), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 167,954 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Indian Orchard — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Indian Orchard: D (53/100)
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
Indian Orchard water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Indian Orchard
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01151 | D | SPRINGFIELD WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION | 167,954 |
All ZIP Codes in Indian Orchard
- 01151 [D]
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.
Indian Orchard 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
Indian Orchard Infrastructure Age
With 87% 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
What does a median build year of 1956 mean for water safety in Indian Orchard? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Indian Orchard 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 Indian Orchard
How much of a Indian Orchard home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Indian Orchard are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 61% below the Massachusetts average.
Indian Orchard: 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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Indian Orchard — 87% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Indian Orchard
- 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 87% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Indian Orchard, MA