Athol, NY Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Athol have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in NY reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Athol Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Athol Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 62% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.86 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Athol
Supply infrastructure in Athol, NY runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Athol, New York (population ~488), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,600 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Athol — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Athol: B (73/100)
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
Athol water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Athol
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12810 | B | WARRENSBURG WATER DISTRICT | 3,600 |
All ZIP Codes in Athol
- 12810 [B]
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 Athol
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
How Old Is Athol's Housing Stock?
With 62% 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
The median home in Athol was built in 1989 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Athol 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.
Athol: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Athol, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Athol are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 49% below the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Athol
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 62% of Athol stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Athol
The NFIP claim record for Athol — 3 filed incidents — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Athol has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $21,686 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>$1,800</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Athol, NY