Needham Heights, MA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Across water systems in Needham Heights, safety results are uneven — a portion carry active or recent violations, while others meet federal standards without incident, placing the city in the middle tier for MA.
How Needham Heights Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Needham Heights Water
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.28.
Who Supplies Your Water in Needham Heights
Needham Heights, MA draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Needham Heights, Massachusetts (population ~10,578), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 33,130 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Needham Heights — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Needham Heights: 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
Needham Heights water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Needham Heights
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02494 | C | NEEDHAM WATER DEPT | 33,130 |
All ZIP Codes in Needham Heights
- 02494 [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.
Health Outcomes in Needham Heights
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Needham Heights
With 60% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in Needham Heights, the median build year of 1962 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in Needham Heights 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Needham Heights Homeowners
When remediation costs are measured against Needham Heights 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 Needham Heights are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 87% above the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Needham Heights
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.
60% of Needham Heights housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Needham Heights
FEMA data shows 100% of Needham Heights's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 6 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
Needham Heights has a moderate flood history with 6 FEMA claims averaging $33,312 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>$2,800</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 Needham Heights
- 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 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Needham Heights, MA