Salem, UT Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Salem reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in UT — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Salem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Salem Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 23% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 8.92.
Water Systems Serving Salem
Federal records list 4 water systems tied to Salem, UT. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Salem, Utah (population ~11,531), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 80,367 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Salem — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Salem: 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
Salem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Salem
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 84653 | D | SPANISH FORK CITY | 47,169 |
All ZIP Codes in Salem
- 84653 [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.
CDC Health Data for 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
How Old Is Salem's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
The median home in Salem was built in 2008, after the federal ban on lead solder in plumbing. Most of the housing stock postdates that cutoff, placing typical plumbing risk on the lower end — though any home built before 1986 still warrants individual testing.
Most homes in Salem were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Salem: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The household financial picture for Salem homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Salem are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 46% above the Utah average.
Protecting Children from Lead in 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.
If aggregate samples sit below the EPA action level and just 23% of Salem's inventory comes from the pre-rule era, systemic lead is not a dominant local concern. The aggregate still cannot tell a homeowner what is actually flowing from a specific faucet on a specific morning, which is why an in-home draw exists as a separate measurement at the household tier.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Salem, UT