South Dartmouth, MA Water Safety: 50/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Water systems serving South Dartmouth record elevated violation rates against MA benchmarks — residents in affected areas may want to check their local system's current compliance status.
How South Dartmouth Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
South Dartmouth Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 78% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.02 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving South Dartmouth
Water delivery in South Dartmouth, MA is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts (population ~11,501), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 125,709 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Dartmouth — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Dartmouth: D (50/100)
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
South Dartmouth water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Dartmouth
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02748 | D | Dartmouth Water Division | 24,630 |
All ZIP Codes in South Dartmouth
- 02748 [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.
CDC Health Data for South Dartmouth
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
How Old Is South Dartmouth's Housing Stock?
With 78% 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
Because the majority of South Dartmouth's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1965 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in South Dartmouth 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.
South Dartmouth: Remediation Cost in Perspective
What does remediation cost in financial context for South Dartmouth homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in South Dartmouth are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$3,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Massachusetts average.
Protecting Children from Lead in South Dartmouth
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.
When older housing represents 78% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual South Dartmouth address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for South Dartmouth
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, South Dartmouth shows a moderate flood record — 137 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.
South Dartmouth has a moderate flood history with 137 FEMA claims averaging $6,722 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>$2,200</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 South Dartmouth
- 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 78% 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 South Dartmouth, MA