Massachusetts Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 12 cities in Massachusetts, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
11 of 12 cities violation-free
12 cities tested
12 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Massachusetts
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Boston
3.3M served
Worcester
207K served
Springfield
168K served
Beverly
138K served
Cambridge
118K served
Lowell
115K served
Quincy
106K served
Brockton
106K served
Falmouth
104K served
Lynn
101K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Massachusetts
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Massachusetts
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Massachusetts Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Massachusetts has 12 tracked water utilities serving approximately 4.7M residents. The average water hardness is 40 ppm (2.3 GPG), classified as Soft — below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 10.4 ppm in Quincy to 59.7 ppm in Lowell.
In the past 3 years, 1 of 12 cities in Massachusetts have recorded water quality violations, totaling 30 violations (0 health-based). All 12 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Massachusetts?
Most tap water in Massachusetts meets EPA standards, but 1 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (0 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts's average water hardness is 40 ppm (2.3 GPG), classified as Soft. This is below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Massachusetts has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Boston ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Massachusetts. It has zero violations in the past 3 years.
Which city in Massachusetts has the most water quality issues?
Dighton currently has the most water quality concerns in Massachusetts, with 30 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Massachusetts get its water from?
The majority of Massachusetts's water systems (92%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 12 Cities
Sorted by population served
Boston
Utility serves 3.3M
Worcester
Utility serves 207K
Springfield
Utility serves 168K
Beverly
Utility serves 138K
Cambridge
Utility serves 118K
Lowell
Utility serves 115K
Dighton
Utility serves 112K
Quincy
Utility serves 106K
Brockton
Utility serves 106K
Falmouth
Utility serves 104K
Lynn
Utility serves 101K
New Bedford
Utility serves 101K