Is Worcester tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Worcester'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
2.2 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Worcester

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Worcester

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.1 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Worcester
Massachusetts

16,010,160,201,603 · Quabbin Reservoir

Drinking Water in Worcester: 2026 Analysis

Low Risk Updated March 2026 205,918 residents
See Best Filters for Worcester
82
Purity Score

This report analyzes Worcester's tap water across five key indicators: PFAS, lead, hardness, chlorine, and TDS. Each section links to deeper data and filter options suited to MA water conditions.

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
2.8 ppb
Nitrate
0.4 mg/L
Arsenic
0.1 mg/L
Hardness
2.2 gpg

Health Insights

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

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Worcester tap water is sourced from Quabbin Reservoir and treated by City of Worcester DPW. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Worcester's 2 issues.

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Explore Worcester Water Data

PFAS in WorcesterForever chemicals
Lead in WorcesterLead risk
Worcester Hard WaterHardness data
Best FiltersFull comparison
MassachusettsState rankings

Worcester Water FAQ

Is Worcester MA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Worcester 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 Worcester MA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Worcester uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.2 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 Worcester MA water and what is the TDS level?
Worcester water hardness is 2.2 grains per gallon (soft) with a TDS of 52 ppm (good). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Worcester MA drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Worcester drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Worcester?
Based on Worcester's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Worcester has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

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

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • City of Worcester DPW CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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