Is Cambridge tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Cambridge's tap water meets all EPA standards and scores well on our analysis. It is generally safe to drink though filtration can improve taste and provide extra precaution.

82/100
Purity Score
2
Issues Found
2.1 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Cambridge

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Cambridge

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.1 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Cambridge
Massachusetts

21,380,213,902,140 · Quabbin Reservoir

Water Quality in Cambridge, MA (2026)

Low Risk Updated March 2026 118,403 residents
See Best Filters for Cambridge
82
Purity Score

This 2026 water quality report for Cambridge compiles data from EPA SDWIS, EWG testing records, and the MWRA Massachusetts Water Resources Authority consumer confidence report. Scores, contaminant levels, and matched filter recommendations are below.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
1.5 ppb
Nitrate
0.4 mg/L
Arsenic
0.1 mg/L
Hardness
2.1 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Cambridge's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Cambridge tap water is sourced from Quabbin Reservoir and treated by MWRA Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Cambridge's 2 issues.

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Explore Cambridge Water Data

Forever Chemicals in CambridgePFAS water report
Lead Risk in CambridgeLead water report
Cambridge Hardness ReportScale and minerals
Best FiltersFull comparison
MassachusettsState rankings

Cambridge Water FAQ

Is Cambridge MA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Cambridge tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Cambridge MA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Cambridge uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.1 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.
How hard is Cambridge MA water and what is the TDS level?
Cambridge water hardness is 2.1 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 48 ppm (excellent). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Cambridge MA drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Cambridge drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Cambridge?
Based on Cambridge's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Cambridge has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

BostonMassachusetts — 82/100WorcesterMassachusetts — 82/100SpringfieldMassachusetts — 82/100LowellMassachusetts — 82/100BrocktonMassachusetts — 82/100New BedfordMassachusetts — 82/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • MWRA Massachusetts Water Resources Authority CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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