ZipCheckup grade for 01523: D.
Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.
Your top priority: test your tap water for lead. Check your ZIP → EPA lead guide
Lancaster, MA (01523): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 50/100
EPA data for Lancaster Water Department
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 01523 in Lancaster, MA contain zero recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026. This does not establish that every category was monitored or published, and it does not cover events outside that source window.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water No drinking-water violations in EPA records since 2021.
- Lead 90th-percentile lead reading of 0.0169 mg/L; the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L applies to a water system's 90th-percentile result.
- PFAS PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling; see the PFAS section for each compound, compared with the federal PFAS MCL where one exists.
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 34 cumulative NFIP claim records. Check the current FEMA map for a specific address.
Get updates when new water-quality data is available for your area
Free alerts when new EPA data affects ZIP code 01523. No spam - just safety updates.
Unsubscribe anytime. We only send updates when your safety score changes. See our Privacy Policy.
See incorrect data? Let us know
Safety data compiled for 01523 in Lancaster produces two severity tiers of concern: one condition is classified as critical - the highest designation in the record - while 1 additional finding fall into the high-priority tier, each independently sourced and described in the cards below.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 50/100
This is the published model score. Component and domain values are shown independently; they are not added together on this page.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 4 of 4 components and 3 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (8) CRITICAL
Your Water System
ZIP code 01523 in Lancaster, Massachusetts is mapped to the water system Lancaster Water Department (EPA ID: MA2147000). This system provides water to approximately 6,000 people from groundwater sources.
Other Water Quality Reports in Massachusetts
- 01001 (Agawam)
- 01002 (Amherst) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01003 (Amherst) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01004 (Amherst)
- 01005 (Barre) - 17 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01007 (Belchertown)
- 01008 (Blandford) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01009 (Bondsville)
- 01010 (Brimfield)
- 01011 (Chester)
- 01012 (Chesterfield)
- 01013 (Chicopee)
- 01014 (Chicopee)
- 01020 (Chicopee) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01021 (Chicopee)
- 01022 (Chicopee)
- 01026 (Cummington)
- 01027 (Easthampton)
- 01028 (East Longmeadow) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01029 (East Otis)
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 01561 (South Lancaster) - <1 mi
- 01510 (Clinton) - 2 mi
- 01740 (Bolton) - 4 mi - 121 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01467 (Still River) - 5 mi
- 01564 (Sterling) - 5 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01503 (Berlin) - 5 mi - 120 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01453 (Leominster) - 6 mi
- 01451 (Harvard) - 7 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01434 (Devens) - 7 mi - 6 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01749 (Hudson) - 8 mi - 120 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Lancaster Water Department (MA2147000) on EPA.gov.
5 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 01523.
Detected compounds: PFHxA, PFOA, PFPeA, PFHpA, PFBS.
Highest measured level: 0.0071 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) MODERATE
Home & Infrastructure (8) MODERATE
Possible home maintenance concerns - talk to a local expert.
Call (855) 384-4856Paid Partner This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider. We may receive compensation.
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Lancaster
Based on local data for ZIP 01523, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Lancaster has 34 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 01523 was built around 1963. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Lancaster is 1963; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1963 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 01523 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 0 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 01523 (primary system: Lancaster Water Department), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 01523's water come from?
The recorded water source for Lancaster Water Department, a system mapped to ZIP code 01523, is Groundwater. This system serves approximately 6,000 people.
How does Lancaster water compare to the national average?
Lancaster's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 93% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 90% of ZIP codes within Massachusetts.
How can I get my water tested in Lancaster?
If Lancaster Water Department supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
Is lead a concern in 01523 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 01523 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0169 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2026-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This system 90th-percentile result is above the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L, which requires corrective action by the system; consider a filter certified for lead reduction.
What is the radon risk for 01523?
01523 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Worcester County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 01523's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 01523. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 01523?
FEMA records contain 34 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 01523; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is A, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Lancaster, MA (01523): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 50/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/01523/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-01523,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Lancaster, MA (01523): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 50/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/01523/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 01523
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01561 | South Lancaster, MA | <1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01510 | Clinton, MA | 2.3 mi | C | 0 |
| 01740 | Bolton, MA | 4.2 mi | N/A | 121 |
| 01467 | Still River, MA | 4.5 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01564 | Sterling, MA | 4.6 mi | D | 2 |
| 01503 | Berlin, MA | 5.3 mi | N/A | 120 |
| 01453 | Leominster, MA | 6.4 mi | D | 0 |
| 01451 | Harvard, MA | 6.6 mi | N/A | 2 |
| 01434 | Devens, MA | 7.2 mi | C | 6 |
| 01749 | Hudson, MA | 7.6 mi | D | 120 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
2026 Rankings for Your Area
Overall safety breakdown
Home Safety Score →Find the right water filter
Water Filter Matcher →Compare filters, tests & services
Compare My Options →Compare with another ZIP
Compare Tool →2026 Rankings