South Harwich, MA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in South Harwich, MA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How South Harwich Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About South Harwich Water
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.93 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in South Harwich
Federal records track 1 water system in South Harwich, MA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Harwich, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 39,144 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Harwich — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Harwich: C (63/100)
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 Harwich water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Harwich
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02661 | C | HARWICH WATER DEPARTMENT | 39,144 |
All ZIP Codes in South Harwich
- 02661 [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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in South Harwich
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
Flood & Climate Risk in South Harwich
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, South Harwich shows 2 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
South Harwich has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $2,751 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>$1,600</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 Harwich
- 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 South Harwich, MA