Lenox, MA Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Lenox by MA authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Lenox Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Lenox Residents
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.11 — above typical levels.
Lenox's Water Providers
In Lenox, MA, residential water supply is distributed across multiple utilities rather than concentrated in one. The 2 leading providers out of 2 tracked systems each control their own infrastructure, file separate EPA compliance reports, and set independent rate schedules.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lenox, Massachusetts (population ~5,024), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 10,025 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lenox — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lenox: B (83/100)
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
Lenox water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01240 | B | Lenox Dpw Water Division | 9,800 |
All ZIP Codes in Lenox
- 01240 [B]
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.
Lenox 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
Lenox Infrastructure Age
With 74% 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
Reading the housing age data for Lenox — median build year 1962 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Lenox 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 Lenox
When remediation costs are measured against Lenox home values, the resulting ratio is in the low tier — addressing documented water and safety issues here claims only a minor fraction of typical equity, and most homeowners are in a position where the financial commitment is straightforward rather than a material burden on their household budget.
Remediation costs in Lenox are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Massachusetts average.
Lenox: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 74% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Lenox.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Lenox: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Lenox is meaningful by NFIP measures — 10 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.
Lenox has a moderate flood history with 10 FEMA claims averaging $13,201 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>$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 Lenox, MA