Vineyard Haven, MA Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Vineyard Haven meets baseline drinking water standards, some MA-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Vineyard Haven Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Vineyard Haven Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.34 — above typical levels.
Vineyard Haven's Water Providers
One utility dominates residential water service in Vineyard Haven, MA — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts (population ~8,829), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 24,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vineyard Haven — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vineyard Haven: 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
Vineyard Haven water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Vineyard Haven
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02568 | C | OAK BLUFFS WATER DISTRICT | 24,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Vineyard Haven
- 02568 [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.
Vineyard Haven Community Health Snapshot
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
Vineyard Haven Infrastructure Age
With 57% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Vineyard Haven, where the median build year is 1986, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Vineyard Haven 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Vineyard Haven
How much of a Vineyard Haven home's value does documented remediation represent? A small fraction — the equity share here is in the low tier, and from a household financial perspective, most property owners are considering a commitment that fits comfortably within standard planning rather than a decision that rises to the level of a material budget event or significant equity consideration.
Remediation costs in Vineyard Haven are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 62% above the Massachusetts average.
Vineyard Haven: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Locally, 57% of Vineyard Haven homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Vineyard Haven: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Vineyard Haven's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 33 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Vineyard Haven has a moderate flood history with 33 FEMA claims averaging $6,902 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 Vineyard Haven
- 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 57% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vineyard Haven, MA