ZipCheckup grade for 01850: D.
Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.
Your top priority: see the breakdown below and consider a certified water filter. Check your ZIP → NSF certified filters
Lowell, MA (01850): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100
EPA data for Lowell Regional Water Utility
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 01850 in Lowell, MA contain 1 recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026, all mapped systems combined; 0 are marked health-based.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water EPA records for water systems mapped to this ZIP show 1 violation (non-health) (since 2021).
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 1 cumulative NFIP claim record. Claim evidence is historical, not current map coverage.
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The top classification in Lowell (01850) safety data is critical - only one condition reaches that level, with no high-priority findings documented below it.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: 49/100
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) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 01850 in Lowell, Massachusetts is mapped to the water system Lowell Regional Water Utility (EPA ID: MA3160000). This system provides water to approximately 120,418 people from surface water 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
- 01852 (Lowell) - 2 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01826 (Dracut) - 2 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01854 (Lowell) - 2 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01853 (Lowell) - 2 mi
- 01851 (Lowell) - 2 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01863 (North Chelmsford) - 5 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 03076 (Pelham, NH) - 5 mi
- 01824 (Chelmsford) - 5 mi - 3 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01876 (Tewksbury) - 6 mi - 10 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01862 (North Billerica) - 6 mi - 6 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 Lowell Regional Water Utility (MA3160000) 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 01850. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFOA, PFHxA, PFPeA.
Highest measured level: 0.0046 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) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (8) HIGH
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 Lowell
Based on local data for ZIP 01850, 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 Lowell has 1 FEMA flood claim 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 01850 was built around 1901. 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 Lowell is 1901; 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 1901 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 01850 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 1 violation since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 01850 (primary system: Lowell Regional Water Utility), 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 01850's water come from?
The recorded water source for Lowell Regional Water Utility, a system mapped to ZIP code 01850, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 120,418 people.
How does Lowell water compare to the national average?
Lowell's Home Safety Score ranks lower than 94% of U.S. ZIP codes, and lower than 95% of ZIP codes within Massachusetts.
How can I get my water tested in Lowell?
If Lowell Regional Water Utility 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.
What is the radon risk for 01850?
01850 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Middlesex 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 01850's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 01850. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. 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 01850?
FEMA records contain 1 flood insurance claim filed in ZIP code 01850. Claim records do not establish current property risk. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Lowell, MA (01850): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/01850/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-01850,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Lowell, MA (01850): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/01850/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 01850
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01852 | Lowell, MA | 1.5 mi | D | 1 |
| 01826 | Dracut, MA | 1.6 mi | D | 3 |
| 01854 | Lowell, MA | 1.6 mi | D | 1 |
| 01853 | Lowell, MA | 1.7 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01851 | Lowell, MA | 2.2 mi | D | 1 |
| 01863 | North Chelmsford, MA | 4.6 mi | C | 2 |
| 03076 | Pelham, NH | 5.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01824 | Chelmsford, MA | 5.2 mi | D | 3 |
| 01876 | Tewksbury, MA | 5.6 mi | D | 10 |
| 01862 | North Billerica, MA | 5.6 mi | D | 6 |
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