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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 02118 Water Quality Report

Boston, MA · Suffolk County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

3

Lead Risk

Very High

Contaminants

0

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 2 unresolved violations and 1 boil water advisory. Contact Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 02118

Tap water in ZIP code 02118 (Boston, MA) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 84/100). Served by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra), the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra)

EPA ID: MA3035000

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

675,647 residents

County

Suffolk County County, Massachusetts

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Lead Levels in ZIP 02118

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 5.9 ppb — Below Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 02118 is 5.9 ppb, below the EPA action level of 15 ppb but above what many health experts consider ideal. The CDC and EPA both affirm there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Families with young children or pregnant women should consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter, and request lead testing of their home's tap water.

Lead exposure risk in 02118 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 71% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This is among the highest risk categories nationally, often associated with heavily aging infrastructure and pre-1986 construction. Do not give unfiltered tap water to children under 6 or pregnant women. Consider getting your home's plumbing tested for lead solder and fixtures.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
5.90 ppb (0.0059 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

6.9 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.1 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
Very High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

71%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) has recorded 3 violations, but none are health-based. Administrative or reporting violations don't directly indicate unsafe water, but they do signal gaps in documentation or monitoring procedures. 2 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility. Additionally, this area has had 1 boil water advisory — temporary orders issued when microbial contamination risk is elevated.

Total Violations (5 yr)
3
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
2
Boil Water Advisories
1
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk is rated High. Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) has a pattern of compliance issues that goes beyond isolated incidents. Residents should stay informed via their utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 02118. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Monochloramine (3.85 ppm)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

7 enforcement actions have been issued against Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
CCR Source Classification
Quabbin Reservoir, Wachusett Reservoir, Ware River
EPA Radon Zone

Lower potential

Zone 3
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.6%

EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 02118 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra)
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 02118 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 02118?+
Yes — tap water in 02118 (Boston, MA) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 02118 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 02118 is 5.9 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the action level, but some health experts recommend a lead filter for families with young children.
Who provides tap water to 02118?+
Tap water in ZIP code 02118 is provided by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) (EPA ID: MA3035000). This system serves approximately 675,647 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 02118?+
ZIP code 02118 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 02118 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 2 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 02118?+
Your water utility — Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 02118?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 02118, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 02118 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 5.9 ppb in 02118, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 02118 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra). Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →