Massachusetts Water Quality Report 2026
Massachusetts tap water is safe to drink based on our analysis of 8 water systems serving 3,404,162 residents. The average PurityMap score is 82.0/100 (Grade: B), which is 4.1 points above the national average.
- 8 cities use chloramine or have elevated chlorine residuals. Standard Brita pitchers do not remove chloramine.
Massachusetts water is generally good quality. A carbon pitcher or faucet filter removes chlorine taste and provides extra protection. No major filtration investment is needed for most residents.
Soft
Massachusetts is 4.1 points above the US average of 77.9/100. Hardness is 4.0 GPG below the US average of 6.3 GPG.
All 8 cities score similarly
How Massachusetts's 8 cities score on the PurityMap 0–100 scale:
Water quality for the most populated cities. Click any city for details.
| City | Population | Score | Hardness | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston | 2.5M | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG | — |
| Worcester | 206K | 82/100 | 2.2 GPG | — |
| Springfield | 156K | 82/100 | 2.0 GPG | — |
| Cambridge | 118K | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG | — |
| Lowell | 116K | 82/100 | 3.5 GPG | — |
| Brockton | 106K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG | — |
| Quincy | 102K | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG | — |
| New Bedford | 101K | 82/100 | 1.8 GPG | — |
Massachusetts generally has soft to moderate water. Average: 2.3 GPG (Soft). Most residents do not need a softener.
Based on EPA UCMR5 data, PFAS have not been detected above advisory levels in any Massachusetts cities in our database as of 2026.
All Massachusetts cities have lead below 5 ppb. Average: 2.6 ppb. Individual homes with older plumbing may have higher levels.
Where Massachusetts gets its drinking water, based on 8 water systems.
| Source Type | Cities | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Water | 8 | 100% |
Massachusetts water is generally good. A carbon pitcher filter improves taste.
| # | City | Pop. | Score | Hardness | Lead | PFAS | TDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | 2.5M | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG (Soft) | 1.5 ppb | ✅ No | 48 ppm |
| 2 | Worcester | 206K | 82/100 | 2.2 GPG (Soft) | 2.8 ppb | ✅ No | 52 ppm |
| 3 | Springfield | 156K | 82/100 | 2.0 GPG (Soft) | 2.5 ppb | ✅ No | 45 ppm |
| 4 | Lowell | 116K | 82/100 | 3.5 GPG (Soft) | 3.8 ppb | ✅ No | 125 ppm |
| 5 | Cambridge | 118K | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG (Soft) | 1.5 ppb | ✅ No | 48 ppm |
| 6 | Brockton | 106K | 82/100 | 2.5 GPG (Soft) | 3.5 ppb | ✅ No | 80 ppm |
| 7 | New Bedford | 101K | 82/100 | 1.8 GPG (Soft) | 4.0 ppb | ✅ No | 55 ppm |
| 8 | Quincy | 102K | 82/100 | 2.1 GPG (Soft) | 1.5 ppb | ✅ No | 48 ppm |
Massachusetts has 6 utilities. Major: MWRA Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, City of Worcester DPW, Springfield Water and Sewer Commission, Lowell Regional Water Utility, City of Brockton Water Commission.
Sources: Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs, Quabbin Reservoir, Ludlow Reservoir, Merrimack River, Silver Lake and Brockton Reservoir.
- EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System
- EWG Tap Water Database
- State utility Consumer Confidence Reports
- USGS regional water monitoring data
PurityMap compiles publicly available data and does not perform independent testing.
8 city water quality reports available for Massachusetts.
Brockton Water Quality Report
Cambridge Water Quality Report
Lowell Water Quality Report
New Bedford Water Quality Report
Quincy Water Quality Report
Springfield Water Quality Report
Worcester Water Quality Report
Compare water quality reports across all 50 US states