Is New Bedford tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

New Bedford'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
1.8 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in New Bedford

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for New Bedford

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.1 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for New Bedford
Massachusetts

27,400,274,102,742 · Quittapahilla Brook reservoirs

New Bedford, MA: Water Quality and Filter Guide

Low Risk Updated March 2026 101,079 residents
See Best Filters for New Bedford
82
Purity Score

This 2026 water quality report for New Bedford compiles data from EPA SDWIS, EWG testing records, and the City of New Bedford Water Department consumer confidence report. Scores, contaminant levels, and matched filter recommendations are below.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
4 ppb
Nitrate
0.3 mg/L
Arsenic
0.1 mg/L
Hardness
1.8 gpg

Health Insights

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

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

New Bedford tap water is sourced from Quittapahilla Brook reservoirs and treated by City of New Bedford Water Department. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to New Bedford's 2 issues.

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New Bedford Water FAQ

Is New Bedford MA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
New Bedford 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 New Bedford MA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
New Bedford 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 New Bedford MA water and what is the TDS level?
New Bedford water hardness is 1.8 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 55 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in New Bedford MA drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in New Bedford drinking water.
What is the best water filter for New Bedford?
Based on New Bedford's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. New Bedford 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 — 82/100CambridgeMassachusetts — 82/100BrocktonMassachusetts — 82/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • City of New Bedford Water Department CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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