Peabody, MA: High Radon Risk — 61/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
While Peabody avoids MA's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Peabody Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Peabody Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0042 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.73.
Water Systems Serving Peabody
A single utility carries the primary residential water load in Peabody, MA — the dominant provider across 1 federally tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Peabody, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 53,961 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Peabody — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Peabody: C (61/100)
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
Peabody water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0042 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01960 | C | Peabody Water Department | 54,481 |
| 01961 | C | Peabody Water Department | 54,481 |
All ZIP Codes in Peabody
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 Peabody
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
Peabody: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Peabody, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Peabody are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,800–$3,550 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% above the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Peabody
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.
Lead risk in Peabody appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Peabody
Peabody's flood exposure sits in the moderate range: 368 NFIP claims on record and 50% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones. Residents with private wells or older infrastructure have reasonable grounds to factor flood timing into their water quality awareness.
Peabody has a moderate flood history with 368 FEMA claims averaging $21,651 per payout. 50% 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>$2,700</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 Peabody
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Peabody, MA