Data source: EPA SDWIS, U.S. Census Bureau, FEMA NFIP Last verified: 2026-06-03

The Boston metropolitan area spans Massachusetts, New Hampshire and includes 389 ZIP codes served by 222 community water systems. We analyzed EPA compliance records, lead testing data, housing age, flood insurance claims, and radon risk for every ZIP in the metro to produce this report.

Metro-Wide Safety Score: C (65/100)

The Home Safety Score combines water quality, lead risk, radon exposure, and flood risk into a single 0-100 rating.

Grade Distribution

Grade	ZIP Codes	Percentage
A	29	8%
B	90	26%
C	166	47%
D	64	18%
F	2	1%

34% of ZIP codes in the Boston metro earned an A or B — above-average safety conditions for homebuyers.

Safest Neighborhoods (Top 10 ZIPs)

The safest ZIP code is 02228 in East Boston with a score of 99/100. These areas typically have newer infrastructure, fewer EPA violations, and lower environmental risk factors.

Highest-Risk Neighborhoods (Bottom 10 ZIPs)

If you are considering a home in these ZIP codes, we recommend requesting a water quality test, checking for lead service lines, and reviewing the full ZIP report before making an offer.

Most Common Contaminant Violations

3 of the top contaminants are health-based violations, meaning measured levels exceeded EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).

Lead Risk Overview

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0037 mg/L (below EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L)
• 1 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
• 38% of housing built before 1950 (highest lead paint risk)
• 49% of housing built before 1970 (lead solder in plumbing)
• 75% of housing built before 1986 (potential lead pipes)

The Boston metro has a significant share of pre-1950 housing. Buyers in older neighborhoods should budget for lead paint inspection ($300-500) and water testing ($30-80) as part of due diligence.

Flood Risk

• 29,067 FEMA flood insurance claims filed
• 307 ZIP codes with flood claims (79% of metro)
• $12,545 average payout per claim
• $364,633,040 total payouts

Water System Comparison

The Boston metro is served by 222 community water systems, drawing from: Groundwater, Surface water.

Major water systems include:

• Abington/rockland Joint Wtr. Works
• ACTON WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT
• Agawam Springs Water Company
• Amesbury Dpw Water Div.
• Andover Water Department
• Andrews Farm Water Company,Inc.
• Applewood Community Corporation
• Aquarion Water Company
• Aquarion Water Company
• Aquarion Water Company (dover)
• ...and 212 more systems

Water quality can vary significantly between systems. Always check the ZIP-level report for your specific address.

Radon Risk

Zone	Risk Level	ZIP Codes	Percentage
Zone 1	High	161	41%
Zone 2	Moderate	140	36%
Zone 3	Low	50	13%

A significant portion of the Boston metro falls in EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 be tested for radon — a $150-200 test that could prevent long-term health issues.

Is Boston Safe for Homebuyers?

Areas of concern: 62 health-based EPA violations on record; 1 ZIP codes exceed EPA lead limits; 38% of housing predates 1950 (lead risk); significant radon exposure in 41% of ZIP codes.

Safety conditions vary widely within the metro. A ZIP code with an A grade may be just a few miles from one rated F. Always check your specific ZIP code before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the water quality safety grade for the Boston metro area?

The Boston metro area has an average Home Safety Score of 65/100 (grade C). This score is based on EPA violation records, lead testing data, radon risk, and flood exposure across 389 ZIP codes.

How many EPA water violations are in the Boston area?

There are 502 total EPA violations across the Boston metro, with 62 being health-based violations. 173 out of 389 ZIP codes (44%) have at least one recorded violation.

Is the tap water safe to drink in Boston?

Water safety varies by ZIP code and water system. 1 ZIP codes in the metro exceed EPA lead action levels. The average lead level is 0.0037 mg/L (EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L). Check your specific ZIP code for a detailed report.

What percentage of homes in Boston have lead risk?

Approximately 75% of housing in the Boston metro was built before 1986, when lead pipes were still legal. 38% was built before 1950, the highest-risk category for lead paint. Homes in older neighborhoods should be tested for lead in both water and paint.

What is the flood risk in the Boston metro?

The Boston metro has recorded 29,067 FEMA flood insurance claims across 307 ZIP codes, with an average payout of $12,545 per claim. Check the FEMA flood map for your specific property.

Cities in the Boston Metro

• Boston, MA — 38 ZIP codes
• Cambridge, MA — 7 ZIP codes
• Woburn, MA — 6 ZIP codes
• Lynn, MA — 6 ZIP codes
• Framingham, MA — 5 ZIP codes
• Lowell, MA — 5 ZIP codes
• Brockton, MA — 5 ZIP codes
• Haverhill, MA — 4 ZIP codes
• Lawrence, MA — 4 ZIP codes
• Quincy, MA — 4 ZIP codes
• Waltham, MA — 4 ZIP codes
• Andover, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Dorchester, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Somerville, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Middleboro, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Plymouth, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Watertown, MA — 3 ZIP codes
• Burlington, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Billerica, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• North Reading, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Gloucester, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Peabody, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Salem, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Dedham, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Mansfield, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Hingham, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Medford, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Braintree, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Bridgewater, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Duxbury, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Hanover, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Lakeville, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• North Easton, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Lexington, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Brookline, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Arlington, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Buzzards Bay, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Falmouth, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Nantucket, MA — 2 ZIP codes
• Village Of Nagog Woods, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Boxborough, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Acton, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Ashland, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Bedford, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Hanscom Afb, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Bolton, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Carlisle, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Concord, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Fayville, MA — 1 ZIP codes
• Holliston, MA — 1 ZIP codes

...and 190 more cities. Browse all via city directory.

All 389 ZIP Codes

View all ZIP codes in the Boston metro

• 01701 Framingham [C]
• 01702 Framingham [C]
• 01703 Framingham [B]
• 01704 Framingham [C]
• 01705 Framingham [B]
• 01718 Village Of Nagog Woods [D]
• 01719 Boxborough [C] — 23 violations
• 01720 Acton [C] — 2 violations
• 01721 Ashland [C] — 1 violation
• 01730 Bedford [C] — 2 violations
• 01731 Hanscom Afb [D]
• 01738
• 01740 Bolton [B]
• 01741 Carlisle [B]
• 01742 Concord [C] — 1 violation
• 01745 Fayville [D]
• 01746 Holliston [C] — 7 violations
• 01747 Hopedale [B]
• 01748 Hopkinton [C] — 3 violations
• 01749 Hudson [C] — 9 violations
• 01752 Marlborough [B]
• 01754 Maynard [C] — 2 violations
• 01756 Mendon [C]
• 01757 Milford [C] — 3 violations
• 01760 Natick [C] — 1 violation
• 01770 Sherborn [C] — 1 violation
• 01772 Southborough [B]
• 01773 Lincoln [C] — 1 violation
• 01775 Stow [C] — 2 violations
• 01776 Sudbury [C] — 1 violation
• 01778 Wayland [C] — 1 violation
• 01784 Woodville [D]
• 01801 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01803 Burlington [C] — 1 violation
• 01805 Burlington [C] — 1 violation
• 01807 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01808 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01810 Andover [D] — 5 violations
• 01812 Andover [C] — 5 violations
• 01813 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01815 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01816
• 01821 Billerica [D] — 3 violations
• 01822 Billerica [D] — 3 violations
• 01824 Chelmsford [C] — 1 violation
• 01826 Dracut [C] — 2 violations
• 01827 Dunstable [C]
• 01830 Haverhill [C] — 1 violation
• 01831 Haverhill [C] — 1 violation
• 01832 Haverhill [C] — 1 violation
• 01833 Georgetown [C] — 2 violations
• 01834 Groveland [C]
• 01835 Haverhill [C] — 1 violation
• 01840 Lawrence [C]
• 01841 Lawrence [C]
• 01842 Lawrence [B]
• 01843 Lawrence [C]
• 01844 Methuen [C] — 1 violation
• 01845 North Andover [C]
• 01850 Lowell [C] — 1 violation
• 01851 Lowell [C] — 1 violation
• 01852 Lowell [C] — 1 violation
• 01853 Lowell [C] — 1 violation
• 01854 Lowell [C] — 1 violation
• 01860 Merrimac [C] — 1 violation
• 01862 North Billerica [D]
• 01863 North Chelmsford [C] — 1 violation
• 01864 North Reading [C]
• 01865 Nutting Lake [D]
• 01866 Pinehurst [D]
• 01867 Reading [C] — 1 violation
• 01876 Tewksbury [C] — 5 violations
• 01879 Tyngsboro [D]
• 01880 Wakefield [C] — 1 violation
• 01885 West Boxford [D]
• 01886 Westford [C] — 1 violation
• 01887 Wilmington [C] — 1 violation
• 01888 Woburn [C] — 1 violation
• 01889 North Reading [C]
• 01890 Winchester [C]
• 01899 Andover [C] — 5 violations
• 01901 Lynn [C]
• 01902 Lynn [C]
• 01903 Lynn [B]
• 01904 Lynn [C]
• 01905 Lynn [C]
• 01906 Saugus [C]
• 01907 Swampscott [C]
• 01908 Nahant [D] — 1 violation
• 01910 Lynn [C]
• 01913 Amesbury [C] — 1 violation
• 01915 Beverly [C] — 1 violation
• 01920
• 01921 Boxford [D] — 37 violations
• 01922 Byfield [C]
• 01923 Danvers [C] — 1 violation
• 01927
• 01929 Essex [C]
• 01930 Gloucester [C]
• 01931 Gloucester [B]
• 01936 Hamilton [B]
• 01937 Hathorne [D]
• 01938 Ipswich [D] — 1 violation
• 01940 Lynnfield [C] — 3 violations
• 01944 Manchester [C]
• 01945 Marblehead [C]
• 01949 Middleton [C] — 3 violations
• 01950 Newburyport [D] — 1 violation
• 01951 Newbury [D]
• 01952 Salisbury [D] — 2 violations
• 01960 Peabody [C]
• 01961 Peabody [C]
• 01965 Prides Crossing [D]
• 01966 Rockport [C]
• 01969 Rowley [C] — 1 violation
• 01970 Salem [C]
• 01971 Salem [C]
• 01982 South Hamilton [D]
• 01983 Topsfield [C] — 1 violation
• 01984 Wenham [B]
• 01985 West Newbury [B]
• 02018 Accord [C]
• 02019 Bellingham [B] — 6 violations
• 02020 Brant Rock [D]
• 02021 Canton [B] — 1 violation
• 02025 Cohasset [C] — 3 violations
• 02026 Dedham [B] — 1 violation
• 02027 Dedham [B] — 1 violation
• 02030 Dover [C] — 5 violations
• 02031 Mansfield [B] — 1 violation
• 02032 East Walpole [C]
• 02035 Foxboro [C]
• 02038 Franklin [B]
• 02040 Greenbush [C]
• 02041 Green Harbor [D]
• 02043 Hingham [B] — 3 violations
• 02044 Hingham [B] — 3 violations
• 02045 Hull [D]
• 02046
• 02047 Humarock [D]
• 02048 Mansfield [B] — 1 violation
• 02050 Marshfield [C] — 5 violations
• 02051 Marshfield Hills [C]
• 02052 Medfield [B] — 1 violation
• 02053 Medway [B] — 1 violation
• 02054 Millis [B]
• 02055 Minot [C]
• 02056 Norfolk [B] — 6 violations
• 02059 North Marshfield [D]
• 02060 North Scituate [C]
• 02061 Norwell [B] — 2 violations
• 02062 Norwood [C]
• 02065 Ocean Bluff [C]
• 02066 Scituate [D] — 5 violations
• 02067 Sharon [B]
• 02070 Sheldonville [C]
• 02071 South Walpole [C]
• 02072 Stoughton [B] — 1 violation
• 02081 Walpole [B]
• 02090 Westwood [C]
• 02093 Wrentham [C] — 21 violations
• 02108 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02109 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02110 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02111 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02112 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02113 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02114 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02115 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02116 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02117 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02118 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02119 Roxbury [B]
• 02120 Roxbury Crossing [B]
• 02121 Dorchester [B]
• 02122 Dorchester [C]
• 02123 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02124 Dorchester Center [C]
• 02125 Dorchester [C]
• 02126 Mattapan [C]
• 02127 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02128 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02129 Charlestown [C]
• 02130 Jamaica Plain [C]
• 02131 Roslindale [C]
• 02132 West Roxbury [C]
• 02133 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02134 Allston [C]
• 02135 Brighton [D]
• 02136 Hyde Park [C]
• 02137 Readville [C]
• 02138 Cambridge [C]
• 02139 Cambridge [C]
• 02140 Cambridge [C]
• 02141 Cambridge [C]
• 02142 Cambridge [C]
• 02143 Somerville [B]
• 02144 Somerville [B]
• 02145 Somerville [C]
• 02146
• 02148 Malden [F] — 1 violation
• 02149 Everett [C] — 1 violation
• 02150 Chelsea [A]
• 02151 Revere [C]
• 02152 Winthrop [C] — 1 violation
• 02153 Medford [D] — 2 violations
• 02154
• 02155 Medford [F] — 2 violations
• 02156 West Medford [D]
• 02157
• 02158
• 02159
• 02160
• 02161
• 02162
• 02163 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02164
• 02165
• 02166
• 02167
• 02168
• 02169 Quincy [D]
• 02170 Quincy [C]
• 02171 Quincy [C]
• 02172
• 02173
• 02174
• 02176 Melrose [D] — 1 violation
• 02178
• 02180 Stoneham [B]
• 02181
• 02184 Braintree [B] — 2 violations
• 02185 Braintree [B] — 2 violations
• 02186 Milton [C]
• 02187 Milton Village [D]
• 02188 Weymouth [B] — 1 violation
• 02189 East Weymouth [C]
• 02190 South Weymouth [C]
• 02191 North Weymouth [D]
• 02192
• 02193
• 02194
• 02196 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02199 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02201 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02203 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02204 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02205 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02206 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02210 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02211 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02212 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02215 Boston [B] — 3 violations
• 02216 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02217 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02222 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02228 East Boston [A]
• 02232
• 02238 Cambridge [C]
• 02239 Cambridge [C]
• 02241 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02251
• 02266 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02269 Quincy [B]
• 02283 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02284 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02293 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02295 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02297 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02298 Boston [A] — 3 violations
• 02301 Brockton [C] — 1 violation
• 02302 Brockton [B] — 1 violation
• 02303 Brockton [B] — 1 violation
• 02304 Brockton [B] — 1 violation
• 02305 Brockton [B] — 1 violation
• 02322 Avon [B]
• 02324 Bridgewater [B] — 9 violations
• 02325 Bridgewater [B] — 9 violations
• 02327 Bryantville [D]
• 02330 Carver [B] — 10 violations
• 02331 Duxbury [B] — 2 violations
• 02332 Duxbury [C] — 2 violations
• 02333 East Bridgewater [B] — 1 violation
• 02334 Easton [B]
• 02337 Elmwood [D]
• 02338 Halifax [B] — 6 violations
• 02339 Hanover [B] — 2 violations
• 02340 Hanover [B] — 2 violations
• 02341 Hanson [C]
• 02343 Holbrook [C] — 5 violations
• 02344 Middleboro [D]
• 02345 Manomet [C]
• 02346 Middleboro [C]
• 02347 Lakeville [C] — 8 violations
• 02348 Lakeville [B] — 8 violations
• 02349 Middleboro [D]
• 02350 Monponsett [C]
• 02351 Abington [B] — 2 violations
• 02352
• 02355 North Carver [D]
• 02356 North Easton [C]
• 02357 North Easton [D]
• 02358 North Pembroke [D]
• 02359 Pembroke [B]
• 02360 Plymouth [C] — 4 violations
• 02361 Plymouth [B] — 4 violations
• 02362 Plymouth [B] — 4 violations
• 02364 Kingston [B] — 4 violations
• 02366 South Carver [C]
• 02367 Plympton [B] — 1 violation
• 02368 Randolph [B] — 4 violations
• 02370 Rockland [B] — 2 violations
• 02375 South Easton [B]
• 02379 West Bridgewater [B] — 1 violation
• 02381 White Horse Beach [C]
• 02382 Whitman [B]
• 02401
• 02402
• 02403
• 02420 Lexington [C] — 1 violation
• 02421 Lexington [C] — 1 violation
• 02445 Brookline [B]
• 02446 Brookline [B]
• 02447 Brookline Village [C]
• 02451 Waltham [C] — 2 violations
• 02452 Waltham [C] — 2 violations
• 02453 Waltham [C] — 2 violations
• 02454 Waltham [C] — 2 violations
• 02455 North Waltham [D]
• 02456 New Town [D]
• 02457 Babson Park [D]
• 02458 Newton [C] — 1 violation
• 02459 Newton Center [D]
• 02460 Newtonville [D]
• 02461 Newton Highlands [D]
• 02462 Newton Lower Falls [D]
• 02464 Newton Upper Falls [C]
• 02465 West Newton [D]
• 02466 Auburndale [D]
• 02467 Chestnut Hill [C]
• 02468 Waban [D]
• 02471 Watertown [C] — 1 violation
• 02472 Watertown [C] — 1 violation
• 02474 Arlington [C]
• 02475 Arlington Heights [D]
• 02476 Arlington [C]
• 02477 Watertown [C] — 1 violation
• 02478 Belmont [C] — 1 violation
• 02479 Waverley [D]
• 02481 Wellesley Hills [D]
• 02482 Wellesley [B] — 2 violations
• 02492 Needham [B]
• 02493 Weston [C]
• 02494 Needham Heights [C]
• 02495 Nonantum [D]
• 02501
• 02531
• 02532 Buzzards Bay [D]
• 02534 Cataumet [C]
• 02535 Chilmark [B] — 3 violations
• 02536 East Falmouth [D]
• 02537 East Sandwich [D]
• 02538 East Wareham [C]
• 02539 Edgartown [B]
• 02540 Falmouth [C] — 3 violations
• 02541 Falmouth [B] — 3 violations
• 02542 Buzzards Bay [D]
• 02543 Woods Hole [D]
• 02550
• 02552 Menemsha [D]
• 02553 Monument Beach [C]
• 02554 Nantucket [C] — 6 violations
• 02556 North Falmouth [D]
• 02557 Oak Bluffs [B]
• 02558 Onset [B] — 1 violation
• 02559 Pocasset [C]
• 02561 Sagamore [C]
• 02562 Sagamore Beach [B]
• 02563 Sandwich [B] — 1 violation
• 02564 Siasconset [D]
• 02565
• 02568 Vineyard Haven [C]
• 02571 Wareham [C] — 4 violations
• 02572
• 02574 West Falmouth [D]
• 02575 West Tisbury [B] — 1 violation
• 02576 West Wareham [C]
• 02584 Nantucket [B] — 6 violations
• 02588

Data Sources

• Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
• Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
• Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
• Flood risk: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
• Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones

Updated daily.