South Orleans, MA Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Drilling into federal monitoring figures for South Orleans in MA, the pattern is middle-of-the-road — some utilities have documented MCL exceedances or treatment technique violations in recent years, while others have operated without a single flag, making the city's grade a genuine average rather than a rounded-down high.
How South Orleans Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
South Orleans Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.93 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving South Orleans
Federal drinking water records identify 1 system operating in South Orleans, MA. One of those systems serves the overwhelming majority of residential addresses, concentrating infrastructure management, rate authority, and EPA compliance reporting within a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Orleans, Massachusetts, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 18,921 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Orleans — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Orleans: C (55/100)
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 Orleans water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Orleans
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02662 | C | ORLEANS WATER DEPARTMENT | 18,921 |
All ZIP Codes in South Orleans
- 02662 [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.
CDC Health Data for South Orleans
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
Climate-Related Water Risk for South Orleans
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, South Orleans has accumulated 18 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
South Orleans has a moderate flood history with 18 FEMA claims averaging $21,720 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 Orleans
- 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 Orleans, MA