Princeton, MA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to MA averages, Princeton scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Princeton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Princeton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.17 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Princeton
Most residential addresses in Princeton, MA are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Princeton, Massachusetts (population ~3,500), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 6,754 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Princeton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Princeton: D (40/100)
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
Princeton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Princeton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01541 | D | STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT | 6,754 |
All ZIP Codes in Princeton
- 01541 [D]
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 Princeton
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 Princeton
With 68% 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
What does a median build year of 1972 mean for water safety in Princeton? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Princeton 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 Princeton Homeowners
Within the Princeton market, estimated remediation claims a small portion of typical property equity — the financial burden is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in Princeton are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Princeton
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.
If 68% of the Princeton inventory comes from before the federal ban on lead-bearing solder — and if utility samples sit at or near 0.015 mg/L — the gap between citywide averages and one specific faucet becomes a practical concern rather than a theoretical one. That is why one-home reads exist as a separate measurement. A certified filter through retailer networks addresses confirmed exposure where it appears in a household.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Princeton
- 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 68% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Princeton, MA