North Reading, MA: High Radon Potential Area - Home Safety 67/100
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for North Reading: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
North Reading earns a C grade for MA; check the EPA record for the system that serves your address.
How North Reading Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for North Reading Residents
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 9.88.
North Reading's Water Providers
Federal drinking water data connect ZIP codes in North Reading, MA to a count of 1 system, and the list on this page shows one of them. A listing reflects that link, not proof of which system serves a given street.
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in North Reading, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 15,634 people. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 2 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for North Reading: C (67/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
North Reading water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0017 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
2 of 2 ZIP records with known zones are in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01864 | C | North Reading Water Department | 16,379 |
All ZIP Codes in North Reading
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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
North Reading Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). County health indicators are shown for context only and are not linked to this area's water records.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Remediation Costs Compare in North Reading
Low tier for North Reading: remediation estimated at up to 1% of what homes are worth.
Estimated remediation costs in North Reading can be compared with local home values. The $300–$800 estimated range can be set against the median property value; actual costs vary by home. Home values are 21% above the Massachusetts average.
North Reading: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Available area-level lead records for North Reading do not determine the lead level at an individual tap. 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.
North Reading: NFIP Claim Records and Water-Quality Context
Historical NFIP data for North Reading contains 117 flood insurance claims. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $8,779. Among ZIP codes with claim records, 100% have an A- or V-family dominant rated zone recorded in those historical claims. This is not a complete current FEMA property-map inventory.
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. The $500 remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in North Reading
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Check the certification, price and turnaround time of any water test kit or lab service.
- Install a certified water filter. Choose a pitcher or under-sink filter certified to reduce the specific contaminants of concern.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for North Reading, MA