West Salem, OH: High Radon Risk — 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
West Salem shows moderate tap water quality for OH — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How West Salem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Salem Water
- Average lead level: 0.0017 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 56% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.19 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Salem
West Salem, OH draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 3 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Salem, Ohio (population ~7,892), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 73,584 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Salem — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Salem: C (66/100)
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 Salem water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0017 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 44287 | C | Rural Lorain Company Water a | 73,125 |
All ZIP Codes in West Salem
- 44287 [C]
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 West Salem
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
Housing & Infrastructure in West Salem
With 56% 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
West Salem's housing stock is predominantly older, with a median build year of 1988 that reflects decades of construction before federal plumbing standards were tightened. The 1986 ban on lead solder and the pre-1970 era of lead service lines are both relevant benchmarks here — a significant share of the residential inventory predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating an elevated baseline for plumbing-related lead risk that aggregate water quality data may not fully reflect at the household level.
Over half of homes in West Salem 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 West Salem Homeowners
In West Salem, documented water and safety issues can be addressed without making a meaningful dent in home equity — the financial proportionality here is favorable, and the commitment fits within standard property planning frameworks.
Remediation costs in West Salem are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$2,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 7% below the Ohio average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Salem
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.
56% of West Salem housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in West Salem
- 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 56% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for West Salem, OH