South Strafford, VT Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in South Strafford falls below the VT baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How South Strafford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for South Strafford Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.63 — above typical levels.
South Strafford's Water Providers
South Strafford, VT draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Strafford, Vermont (population ~488), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 870 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Strafford — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Strafford: 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
South Strafford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Strafford
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 05070 | D | NORWICH FIRE DISTRICT 1 | 870 |
All ZIP Codes in South Strafford
- 05070 [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.
South Strafford 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
South Strafford Infrastructure Age
With 59% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in South Strafford, the median build year of 1970 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in South Strafford 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in South Strafford
In South Strafford, property values comfortably outpace what documented remediation typically costs — the equity share is proportionally low.
Remediation costs in South Strafford are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 45% above the Vermont average.
South Strafford: 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.
59% of South Strafford 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 South Strafford
- 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 59% 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 South Strafford, VT