Paxton, MA: High Radon Potential Area - Home Safety 67/100
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Paxton: C.
A mixed picture - some signals here are worth your attention.
Documented records place Paxton, MA in the middle grade tier.
How Paxton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
What You Should Know About Paxton Water
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0031 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $500 per household.
- Health risk index (ZipCheckup composite of CDC data): 12.17.
Who Supplies Your Water in Paxton
Service in Paxton, MA can differ by address: 2 water systems are tied to the area in federal records, and the 2 largest are listed with their violation records.
- C
- C
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Paxton, Massachusetts (population ~4,996), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 22,316 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 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 Paxton: 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
Paxton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0031 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
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01612 | C | Paxton Water Department | 4,300 |
All ZIP Codes in Paxton
- 01612 [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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Health Outcomes in Paxton
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Paxton
With 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. Federal law banned lead solder in drinking-water plumbing in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
If you live in one of the pre-1986 homes in Paxton, a certified lab test for lead is the direct way to learn what your tap delivers; the median build year of 1964 is only context.
Over half of homes in Paxton were built before 1986, when federal law began restricting lead solder in drinking-water plumbing. 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 Paxton Homeowners
In Paxton, estimated remediation comes to 1% or less of the median home value.
Estimated remediation costs in Paxton 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 17% below the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Paxton
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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Paxton
- 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. With 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Paxton, MA