West Bethel, ME: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Water systems serving West Bethel record elevated violation rates against ME benchmarks — residents in affected areas may want to check their local system's current compliance status.
How West Bethel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
West Bethel Water: The Quick Version
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.1 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving West Bethel
The structure of water supply in West Bethel, ME is straightforward: one utility provides the bulk of residential service among 1 tracked system, concentrating rate-setting and infrastructure decisions under a single organization.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Bethel, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,813 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Bethel — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Bethel: 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
West Bethel water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for West Bethel
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 04286 | D | BETHEL WATER DISTRICT | 1,813 |
All ZIP Codes in West Bethel
- 04286 [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 West Bethel
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 West Bethel
Flood insurance records under FEMA's NFIP show limited historical flood activity for West Bethel. Understanding where a community falls on the exposure spectrum matters for water quality assessment because flooding operates as a compounding hazard: during significant flood events, treatment facilities can be overwhelmed, private wells can be infiltrated by surface runoff, and pressure changes in distribution systems can allow backflow of contaminated water. None of those mechanisms are absent here, but they require event conditions that the current NFIP record suggests have been infrequent.
West Bethel has a relatively low flood history with 3 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in West Bethel
- 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.
- 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 West Bethel, ME