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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 50 cities in Massachusetts
Across the 50 Massachusetts water systems we track, the average water quality score is 83/100 — 11 points above the U.S. national average of 72/100. 80% of Massachusetts cities (40 of 50) score above that national benchmark, and 26 earn a Grade A for clean, low-contaminant tap water.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Massachusetts water systems are pfas ('forever chemicals'), lead (older service lines and plumbing) and sodium and chloride (road-salt runoff). See the full breakdown in our Massachusetts water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Massachusetts
49,075 residents
72,362 residents
115,554 residents
59,408 residents
57,213 residents
67,787 residents
41,946 residents
54,481 residents
25,860 residents
38,238 residents
46,461 residents
81,360 residents
62,186 residents
105,643 residents
63,447 residents
42,514 residents
206,518 residents
692,600 residents
39,235 residents
118,927 residents
35,939 residents
41,303 residents
63,191 residents
43,222 residents
32,370 residents
100,656 residents
46,308 residents
44,641 residents
37,006 residents
65,218 residents
66,263 residents
34,984 residents
26,377 residents
89,143 residents
44,480 residents
27,115 residents
41,793 residents
40,787 residents
53,059 residents
94,000 residents
36,569 residents
27,002 residents
88,414 residents
31,611 residents
155,929 residents
101,253 residents
42,670 residents
55,186 residents
41,313 residents
101,636 residents
Massachusetts generally enjoys strong water quality, anchored by the highly regarded Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system that serves Greater Boston from the protected Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs. The state's main challenges are aging urban infrastructure, lead service lines in older cities, and emerging PFAS contamination that has prompted some of the strictest state-level limits in the nation.
Based on our analysis of 50 cities in Massachusetts, the average water quality score is 83/100. 5 cities have water quality scores below 70, indicating potential concerns that residents should be aware of. The highest-rated city is Quincy with a score of 54/100, while Everett has the most room for improvement at 96/100.
5 of the 50 Massachusetts cities we analyzed score below 70/100. If your city is one of them, a certified filter matched to your local contaminants is the fastest way to reduce exposure. For lead and PFAS, look for an NSF 53 certified filter or a reverse osmosis system.
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The MWRA delivers water from the Quabbin Reservoir and Wachusett Reservoir, among the largest protected surface-water supplies in the U.S., to roughly 3 million residents. Many smaller communities, particularly on Cape Cod and in central and western Massachusetts, rely on groundwater wells that are more susceptible to PFAS and road-salt contamination.
These contaminants have been detected in various Massachusetts water systems
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulates drinking water and set an enforceable PFAS6 limit of 20 parts per trillion ahead of federal action. The state actively monitors PFAS in public systems and provides funding for lead service line replacement in older communities.
Lead remains a concern in older cities such as Boston, Worcester, and Springfield where lead service lines persist. PFAS has been detected in numerous Cape Cod and central Massachusetts systems. Private-well users near former industrial or military sites should be particularly attentive to PFAS testing.
Massachusetts residents in homes built before 1986 should test for lead and consider an NSF 53 certified filter. For PFAS, look for reverse osmosis or activated-carbon systems certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or P473. Cape Cod well owners should test for PFAS and nitrate; the state offers guidance and, in some cases, testing assistance.
Most Massachusetts cities have tap water that meets EPA safety standards. With an average score of 83/100 across 50 cities we analyzed, Massachusetts generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by location, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Massachusetts include pfas ('forever chemicals'), lead (older service lines and plumbing), sodium and chloride (road-salt runoff). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 5 cities in Massachusetts showing elevated contaminant levels, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Massachusetts are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Massachusetts water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Massachusetts. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Massachusetts city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
Based on our analysis, Quincy has the highest water quality score in Massachusetts at 54/100 (Grade D). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Massachusetts page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Massachusetts are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area