ZipCheckup grade for 01860: 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
Merrimac, MA (01860): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100
EPA data for Merrimac Water Department
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 01860 in Merrimac, 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 of 0.0016 mg/L is below the EPA action level for water systems; 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 7 cumulative NFIP claim records. Claim evidence is historical, not current map coverage.
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The top classification in Merrimac (01860) 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 01860 in Merrimac, Massachusetts is mapped to the water system Merrimac Water Department (EPA ID: MA3180000). This system provides water to approximately 6,988 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
- 03859 (Newton Junction, NH) - 3 mi
- 03858 (Newton, NH) - 3 mi
- 01985 (West Newbury) - 3 mi - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 01913 (Amesbury) - 4 mi - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 03865 (Plaistow, NH) - 4 mi - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 01830 (Haverhill) - 5 mi
- 03827 (East Kingston, NH) - 5 mi
- 01834 (Groveland) - 6 mi
- 03848 (Kingston, NH) - 6 mi
- 01950 (Newburyport) - 6 mi - 1 violation 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 Merrimac Water Department (MA3180000) 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 01860. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFOA.
Highest measured level: 0.0069 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) CRITICAL
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 Merrimac
Based on local data for ZIP 01860, 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 Merrimac has 7 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 01860 was built around 1970. 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 Merrimac is 1970; 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 1970 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 01860 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 1 violation since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 01860 (primary system: Merrimac 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 01860's water come from?
The recorded water source for Merrimac Water Department, a system mapped to ZIP code 01860, is Groundwater. This system serves approximately 6,988 people.
How does Merrimac water compare to the national average?
Merrimac'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 Merrimac?
If Merrimac 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 01860 tap water?
The Lead and Copper Rule record selected for 01860 reports a 90th-percentile lead result of 0.0016 mg/L for a water system mapped to this ZIP (record date 2025-12-31). The EPA action level is 0.015 mg/L. This result is below the EPA action level; it does not show the lead level in each home.
What is the radon risk for 01860?
01860 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Essex 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 01860's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 01860. 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 01860?
FEMA records contain 7 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 01860; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is AE, 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). Merrimac, MA (01860): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100. https://zipcheckup.com/report/01860/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-01860,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Merrimac, MA (01860): PFAS Detected in Mapped Water Systems - 49/100}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/01860/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 01860
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03859 | Newton Junction, NH | 2.6 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 03858 | Newton, NH | 3.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01985 | West Newbury, MA | 3.1 mi | D | 1 |
| 01913 | Amesbury, MA | 3.7 mi | C | 2 |
| 03865 | Plaistow, NH | 4.5 mi | C | 4 |
| 01830 | Haverhill, MA | 4.8 mi | C | 0 |
| 03827 | East Kingston, NH | 5.1 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01834 | Groveland, MA | 5.8 mi | D | 0 |
| 03848 | Kingston, NH | 6.2 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 01950 | Newburyport, MA | 6.3 mi | D | 1 |
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
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