Boston Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Boston residents — your tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards. At just 46.6 ppm (2.7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
2.7 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Boston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Boston tap water meets all current EPA drinking water standards.
2 contaminants were tested in Boston's water — none were detected above laboratory reporting levels in available test data.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
Lead — Lead (10.22 ppb) is at 68% of the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 3.3M people in the Boston area.
Based on publicly available data from TODO: Add from CCR. Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Boston tap water meets all current EPA standards. No additional filtration is required based on available test data. For extra peace of mind, a basic carbon filter can improve taste.
How Hard is Boston Water?
46.6 ppm
2.7 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Based on 167 samples from TODO: Add from CCR ()
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Boston tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Boston
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
10.22 ppb
Boston lead levels are well below the EPA action level.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Other Detected Contaminants
2 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/4 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
PFOS | 0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/4 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Boston's Water?
Utility Name
MWRA
EPA System ID (PWSID)
MA6000000
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
3.3M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Boston tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
Worcester
Soft water
Springfield
Soft water
Beverly
Soft water
Cambridge
Soft water
Lowell
Soft water
Dighton
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: TODO: Add from CCR ()