Jonesboro, ME Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Jonesboro shows a low safety grade within ME — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Jonesboro Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Jonesboro Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 69% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 16.36 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Jonesboro
Water service in Jonesboro, ME is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jonesboro, Maine (population ~494), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,390 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Jonesboro — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jonesboro: D (53/100)
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
Jonesboro water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Jonesboro
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04648 | D | MACHIAS WATER COMPANY | 1,390 |
All ZIP Codes in Jonesboro
- 04648 [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 Jonesboro
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 Jonesboro's Housing Stock?
With 69% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Jonesboro — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1975 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Jonesboro 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.
Jonesboro: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Jonesboro, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Jonesboro are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 58% below the Maine average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Jonesboro
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Jonesboro have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 69% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Jonesboro
- 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 69% 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 Jonesboro, ME