Madison, NH: Lead Above EPA Limits — 12/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Madison, EPA compliance records fall well below NH averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Madison Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Madison Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 8 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.025 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.86 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Madison
Structurally, Madison, NH's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 3 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Madison, New Hampshire, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 1,451 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 5 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Madison: F (12/100)
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
Madison water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0250 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 10 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03849 | F | 8 | 5 | Village District of Eidelweiss |
All ZIP Codes in Madison
- 03849 [F] — 8 violations ⚠
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.
Health Outcomes in Madison
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
Top Contaminants in Madison Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Madison
With 57% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Madison's median build year of 1987 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Madison 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Madison Homeowners
In Madison, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Madison are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the New Hampshire average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Madison
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.
Once federal rules removed lead solder from new plumbing, the older inventory still in service became the active risk surface. 57% of the Madison housing stock comes from that earlier era, and citywide monitoring has crossed the action level.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Madison
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Combined Radium can reduce the most common contaminant found in Madison's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 57% 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 Madison, NH