Washington, ME Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Washington, ME tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Washington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Washington Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 47% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.24 — above typical levels.
Washington's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Washington, ME are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Washington, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,618 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Washington — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Washington: 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
Washington water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Washington
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04574 | D | MAINE WATER COMPANY UNION DIVISION | 238 |
All ZIP Codes in Washington
- 04574 [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.
Washington 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
Washington Infrastructure Age
With 47% 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
Over the decades, Washington accumulated housing from multiple construction periods. The median build year of 1981 places the midpoint of that stock near the 1986 threshold when lead solder in plumbing became federally prohibited — leaving a sizable share of homes on each side of that safety line.
Most homes in Washington were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Washington
Low proportionality — that's the Washington picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Washington are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% below the Maine average.
Washington: 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 Washington — 47% 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.
What You Can Do in Washington
- 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 47% 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 Washington, ME