Massachusetts Water Quality Rankings 2026

All 50 cities ranked by water quality score

State Average83/100

Cities Ranked

Everett

Best City (96/100)

Quincy

Lowest Score (54/100)

80%

Above National Avg

Grade Distribution

How Massachusetts's 50 cities are distributed by water quality grade

A Range

52% of cities

B Range

38% of cities

C Range

8% of cities

2% of cities

0% of cities

Cities with good water quality (B or better)78%

39 out of 50 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality

All 50 Massachusetts Cities Ranked

Sorted by water quality score from best to worst. Click any city for a detailed water quality report.

Rank	City	Score	Grade	Population	Top Concern
1	Everett	96/100	A+	49,075	None identified
2	Framingham	96/100	A+	72,362	None identified
3	Lowell	96/100	A+	115,554	None identified
#4	Taunton	96/100	A+	59,408	None identified
#5	Weymouth Town	96/100	A+	57,213	None identified
#6	Haverhill	95/100	A+	67,787	None identified
#7	Fitchburg	94/100	A	41,946	None identified
#8	Peabody	94/100	A	54,481	None identified
#9	Reading	94/100	A	25,860	None identified
#10	Holyoke	90/100	A	38,238	None identified
#11	Attleboro	89/100	A-	46,461	None identified
#12	Somerville	89/100	A-	81,360	None identified
#13	Revere	88/100	A-	62,186	None identified
#14	Brockton	87/100	A-	105,643	None identified
#15	Medford	87/100	A-	63,447	None identified
#16	Pittsfield	87/100	A-	42,514	None identified
#17	Worcester	87/100	A-	206,518	None identified
#18	Boston	86/100	A-	692,600	None identified
#19	Braintree	86/100	A-	39,235	None identified
#20	Cambridge	86/100	A-	118,927	None identified
#21	Watertown	86/100	A-	35,939	None identified
#22	Westfield	86/100	A-	41,303	None identified
#23	Brookline	85/100	A-	63,191	None identified
#24	Leominster	85/100	A-	43,222	None identified
#25	Needham	85/100	A-	32,370	None identified
#26	New Bedford	85/100	A-	100,656	None identified
#27	Arlington	84/100	B+	46,308	None identified
#28	Barnstable Town	84/100	B+	44,641	None identified
#29	Natick	84/100	B+	37,006	None identified
#30	Waltham	84/100	B+	65,218	None identified
#31	Malden	83/100	B+	66,263	None identified
#32	Randolph	83/100	B+	34,984	None identified
#33	Burlington	82/100	B+	26,377	None identified
#34	Lawrence	79/100	B	89,143	None identified
#35	Salem	79/100	B	44,480	None identified
#36	Wakefield	79/100	B	27,115	None identified
#37	Marlborough	78/100	B	41,793	None identified
#38	Chelsea	77/100	B	40,787	None identified
#39	Methuen	75/100	B	53,059	None identified
#40	Fall River	73/100	B-	94,000	None identified
#41	Andover	72/100	B-	36,569	None identified
#42	Belmont	72/100	B-	27,002	None identified
#43	Newton	70/100	B-	88,414	None identified
#44	Norwood	70/100	B-	31,611	None identified
#45	Springfield	70/100	B-	155,929	None identified
#46	Lynn	68/100	C+	101,253	None identified
#47	Beverly	67/100	C+	42,670	None identified
#48	Chicopee	67/100	C+	55,186	None identified
#49	Woburn	65/100	C+	41,313	None identified
#50	Quincy	54/100	D	101,636	None identified

Key Findings

The best water quality in Massachusetts is found in Everett with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This puts Everett among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.

The most concerning water quality is in Quincy scoring 54/100 with a grade of D. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.

1 city with D or F grades:

Quincy — Score: 54/100, Grade: D

The statewide average score is 83/100, which is 11 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (80%) of Massachusetts cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city in Massachusetts has the best water quality?

Everett has the best water quality in Massachusetts with a score of 96/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. Everett ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.

Is Massachusetts tap water safe to drink?

Water quality varies across Massachusetts. The state average score is 83/100. 78% of Massachusetts cities have good water quality (grade B or better). However, 1 city has water quality concerns with a grade of D or F. Residents in those areas should consider water testing and filtration. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.

How many Massachusetts cities have water quality concerns?

Of the 50 cities tracked in Massachusetts, 1 city has a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. An additional 4 cities fall in the C range, suggesting moderate issues. 40 out of 50 cities (80%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.