CITY REPORT ME

West Enfield, ME: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)

1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03

West Enfield's water safety record falls below average in ME — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

How West Enfield Compares

West Enfield53/100
Maine avg57/100
National avg67/100

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

1
ZIP Codes
1
Water Systems
0
ZIPs with Violations
D · 53
Avg Safety Score
Zone 1
Radon Risk (High)
$161K
Median Home Value
$2,400
Est. Remediation (1.5% of home value)

West Enfield Water: The Quick Version

  • Homes built before 1986: 51% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
  • Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
  • CDC health risk index: 14.23 — above typical levels.

Water Systems Serving West Enfield

Most residential addresses in West Enfield, ME are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.

HOWLAND WATER DEPARTMENT
Serves ~1,025 people
53
/100

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Enfield, Maine, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,790 people.

No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Enfield — an excellent indicator of water quality.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for West Enfield: 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 Enfield water systems draw from: Groundwater.

Lead & Copper

  • Lead data: not yet available for West Enfield
  • 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
04493 D HOWLAND WATER DEPARTMENT 1,025

All ZIP Codes in West Enfield

Data Sources

Updated daily.

CDC Health Data for West Enfield

13.3%
Asthma (US: 9.8%)
11.5%
Diabetes (US: 10.4%)
19.4%
Poor Mental Health (US: 14.8%)

Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.

Compared to National Average

Asthma 13.3% ↑
Diabetes 11.5% ↑
Mental Health 19.4% ↑

Vertical line = national average. Above national · Below national

How Old Is West Enfield's Housing Stock?

1984
Median Build Year
51%
Built Before 1986
19%
Built Before 1970
Copper
Likely Pipe Material

With 51% 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

What does a median build year of 1984 mean for water safety in West Enfield? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.

1984
Median Year Built
51%
Pre-1986 (Lead Paint Risk)
19%
Pre-1970 (Lead Pipes Risk)
Pre-1970 (19%) 1970–1986 (32%) Post-1986 (49%)

Over half of homes in West Enfield 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.

West Enfield: Remediation Cost in Perspective

Is remediation financially manageable for West Enfield homeowners? At a moderate equity share, generally yes — with deliberate budgeting ahead of time.

Median Home Value
$161,300
Est. Remediation
$2,400
Remediation as % of home value 1.5%

Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in West Enfield. The estimated $1,600–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 38% below the Maine average.

Protecting Children from Lead in West Enfield

51%
Homes Built Before 1986

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.

Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 51% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in West Enfield.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Climate-Related Water Risk for West Enfield

Flood exposure in West Enfield is meaningful by NFIP measures — 2 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.

2
Total FEMA Flood Claims
$797
Avg Claim Payout
100%
ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

West Enfield has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $797 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 West Enfield

  1. 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.
  2. Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
  3. Check your home's plumbing. With 51% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
  4. Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe to drink in West Enfield, ME?
West Enfield has an average water safety score of 53/100 (Grade D). No EPA violations on record. Check individual ZIP code reports for details specific to your neighborhood.
How does West Enfield compare to Maine average?
West Enfield has an average water safety score of 53/100, which is below the Maine state average of 57/100.
How many water systems serve West Enfield?
West Enfield is served by 1 public water system across 1 ZIP code, serving approximately 1,790 people.
How much does it cost to fix water issues in West Enfield?
Estimated remediation costs in West Enfield average $2,400 per household, ranging from $1,600 to $3,300. Costs include filtration, pipe replacement, radon mitigation, and flood protection.
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