Sherborn, MA: 1 Violation — 67/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in MA, Sherborn carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Sherborn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Sherborn Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0055 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 79% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.88.
Who Supplies Your Water in Sherborn
3 independent water providers serve Sherborn, MA — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sherborn, Massachusetts, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 4,404 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sherborn: C (67/100)
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
Sherborn water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0055 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01770 | C | 1 | 0 | Fields at Sherborn Condo Trust |
All ZIP Codes in Sherborn
- 01770 [C] — 1 violation
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 Sherborn
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
Top Contaminants in Sherborn Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Sherborn
With 79% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1961, as in Sherborn, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Sherborn 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 Sherborn Homeowners
Equity impact data for Sherborn lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Sherborn are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 68% above the Massachusetts average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Sherborn
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 79% of the Sherborn inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Sherborn
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Sherborn shows a moderate flood record — 7 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Sherborn has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $6,115 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>$2,400</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 Sherborn
- 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. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Sherborn's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 79% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sherborn, MA