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WaterSafeCheck

Massachusetts Tap Water Quality Report

Water quality grades, lead levels, and violation data for all 695 ZIP codes in Massachusetts

ZIP Codes

695

Health Violations (5yr)

148

Avg Safety Score

66.3/100

High Lead Risk ZIPs

68.6%

Overview: Drinking Water in Massachusetts

The tap water quality in Massachusetts currently sits near the national average, registering a composite safety score of 66.3/100 across 695 monitored ZIP codes. While a significant portion of the state maintains adequate water quality and full compliance with federal standards, 0% of ZIP codes in Massachusetts have received a failing grade due to recent compliance issues. Monitoring data from the EPA indicates that while the majority of residents receive safe tap water, localized issues remain a challenge for several municipal systems.

Over the past 5 years, water utilities in Massachusetts have recorded a total of 893 violations, of which 148 were strictly health-based. While administrative and reporting violations are common nationwide, health-based violations mean that certain contaminants exceeded the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) at some point. Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which acts as the primary regulatory authority in the state, typically works closely with these utilities to issue boil water advisories or mandate infrastructure upgrades when these limits are breached.

One of the most pressing concerns for Massachusetts residents is the elevated risk of lead exposure. EPA models and historical monitoring indicate that 68.6% of ZIP codes in Massachusetts are classified as High or Very High risk for lead. This is frequently associated with older housing stock built before the 1986 federal ban on lead pipes and solder. Residents living in older homes should strongly consider having their tap water independently tested and utilizing a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking.

Surface Water

60%

of ZIP codes

Total Violations

893

5-year record

Grade A ZIPs

29

4% of state

Grade F ZIPs

3

0% of state

Water Quality Grade Distribution in Massachusetts

How do Massachusetts's 695 ZIP codes stack up by water quality grade?

A
29 ZIP codes4%
B
247 ZIP codes36%
C
291 ZIP codes42%
D
125 ZIP codes18%
F
3 ZIP codes0%

Water Quality by City in Massachusetts

Click any city to view ZIP code-level water quality reports

Boston

38 ZIPs

A

Springfield

20 ZIPs

B

Worcester

16 ZIPs

C

Cambridge

7 ZIPs

C

Woburn

6 ZIPs

C

Lynn

6 ZIPs

C

New Bedford

6 ZIPs

B

Chicopee

5 ZIPs

B

Framingham

5 ZIPs

C

Andover

5 ZIPs

D

Lowell

5 ZIPs

C

Brockton

5 ZIPs

B

Fall River

5 ZIPs

C

Haverhill

4 ZIPs

C

Lawrence

4 ZIPs

C

Quincy

4 ZIPs

C

Waltham

4 ZIPs

C

Amherst

3 ZIPs

B

Northampton

3 ZIPs

B

Pittsfield

3 ZIPs

B

Groton

3 ZIPs

C

Westborough

3 ZIPs

C

Dorchester

3 ZIPs

C

Somerville

3 ZIPs

C

Middleboro

3 ZIPs

D

Plymouth

3 ZIPs

B

Watertown

3 ZIPs

C

Holyoke

2 ZIPs

B

Westfield

2 ZIPs

B

West Springfield

2 ZIPs

B

Longmeadow

2 ZIPs

B

Dalton

2 ZIPs

B

Stockbridge

2 ZIPs

B

Greenfield

2 ZIPs

B

Westminster

2 ZIPs

C

Shrewsbury

2 ZIPs

C

Burlington

2 ZIPs

C

Billerica

2 ZIPs

D

North Reading

2 ZIPs

C

Gloucester

2 ZIPs

C

🏆 Highest Rated ZIP Codes in Massachusetts

02228East Boston
99/100
A
02112Boston
92/100
A
02117Boston
92/100
A
02123Boston
92/100
A
02133Boston
92/100
A

⚠ Lowest Rated ZIP Codes in Massachusetts

02148Malden
33/100
F
02155Medford
36/100
F
02726Somerset
37/100
F
01074South Barre
40/100
D
01366Petersham
40/100
D

Common Drinking Water Contaminants in Massachusetts

The following are common regulated contaminants found in Massachusetts drinking water based on EPA violation records. Click any contaminant to learn about EPA safety limits and health effects.

Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)Consumer Confidence Report RuleStage 1 DBP RuleE. coliChlorine residualContaminant 1011Stage 2 DBP Rule

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Level regulations. For the complete list of regulated contaminants and MCLs, see the Water Quality Safety Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions — Massachusetts Drinking Water

Is tap water generally safe to drink in Massachusetts?+
Yes, for the majority of residents, tap water in Massachusetts is treated, heavily regulated, and safe to drink. However, safety varies significantly by location. Statewide, 29 ZIP codes earn an "A" grade for perfect compliance, while 3 earn an "F" due to historical violations. It is essential to search your specific ZIP code above to view the exact compliance record for your local water utility.
What are the biggest water quality issues in Massachusetts?+
Based on a 5-year analysis of EPA violation data, the primary water quality challenges in Massachusetts include managing 148 health-based violations statewide and addressing infrastructure age. Additionally, 68.6% of ZIP codes in the state are rated as having a High or Very High probability of lead exposure risk, which is a key metric residents should monitor.
Who regulates and enforces drinking water standards in Massachusetts?+
Drinking water in Massachusetts is primarily regulated by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under a primacy agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA sets the federal baseline standards (Maximum Contaminant Levels) through the Safe Drinking Water Act, while Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection conducts the day-to-day monitoring, issues compliance orders, and enforces penalties against local water systems that fail to meet these standards.
Where does Massachusetts get its drinking water?+
Water sources in Massachusetts vary widely by municipality. Statewide, approximately 60% of the monitored ZIP codes rely on surface water sources (such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs), which require extensive filtration and disinfection. The remaining systems primarily rely on groundwater pumped from underground aquifers, which is naturally filtered but can be susceptible to agricultural runoff or naturally occurring minerals.
How do I find the official water quality report for my home in Massachusetts?+
You can enter your ZIP code in our search box above for a detailed, easy-to-read report based on EPA data. Furthermore, your local water utility is required by federal law to distribute an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 of each year. You can contact your utility directly to request this document, which outlines exact contaminant measurements from the previous year.
View All 695 ZIP Codes in Massachusetts

Browse EPA water quality data for every monitored ZIP code. For faster results, use the search bar above.

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+ 395 more ZIP codes — please search by city above