Zarephath, NJ: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Zarephath's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within NJ — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Zarephath Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Zarephath Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.99.
Zarephath's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Zarephath, NJ's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Zarephath, New Jersey (population ~38), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 191,150 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Zarephath — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Zarephath: D (45/100)
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
Zarephath water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Zarephath
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08890 | D | FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS | 57,150 |
All ZIP Codes in Zarephath
- 08890 [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.
Zarephath 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
Zarephath Infrastructure Age
With 100% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Zarephath — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1965 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Zarephath 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.
Zarephath: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 100% of Zarephath homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Zarephath: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
How does Zarephath's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 45 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Zarephath has a moderate flood history with 45 FEMA claims averaging $45,505 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>$3,000</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 Zarephath
- 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 100% 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 Zarephath, NJ