Middlefield, MA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Middlefield shows moderate tap water quality for MA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Middlefield Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Middlefield Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.18.
Water Systems Serving Middlefield
Because residential water in Middlefield, MA flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Middlefield, Massachusetts (population ~196), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 565 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Middlefield — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Middlefield: 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
Middlefield water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Middlefield
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01243 | C | WORTHINGTON FIRE DISTRICT | 565 |
All ZIP Codes in Middlefield
- 01243 [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 Middlefield
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 Middlefield's Housing Stock?
With 59% 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
Because the majority of Middlefield's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1988 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Middlefield 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.
Middlefield: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Middlefield comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Middlefield are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% below the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Middlefield
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 59% pre-rule share in Middlefield keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Middlefield
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Middlefield has accumulated 4 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Middlefield has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $11,173 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.
What You Can Do in Middlefield
- 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 59% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Middlefield, MA