South China, ME: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Compared to ME averages, South China scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How South China Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for South China Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.51 — above typical levels.
South China's Water Providers
South China, ME draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South China, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 4,475 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South China — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South China: 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
South China water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South China
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04358 | D | EAST VASSALBORO WATER COMPANY LLC | 205 |
All ZIP Codes in South China
- 04358 [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.
South China 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
South China Infrastructure Age
With 62% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in South China, the median build year of 1972 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in South China 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 South China
The household financial perspective in South China reflects a moderate cost-to-value ratio — an equity share that is not trivially small but remains within the range where most homeowners can address documented water and safety issues by treating the expense as a real line item in property planning rather than a discretionary one.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in South China. The estimated $1,600–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 10% below the Maine average.
South China: 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.
Practically, the structural drivers in South China — 62% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
South China: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in South China is meaningful by NFIP measures — 5 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
South China has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $1,343 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>$2,400</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 China
- 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 62% 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 China, ME