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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.
Real EPA measurements of fluoride for Massachusetts water systems — Six-Year Review compliance samples 2012–2019 (historical). Methodology
Every Massachusetts system with a fluoride result in EPA's data, sorted by level. Averages of 2012–2019 finished-water samples, non-detects counted as zero — historical, not today's tap.
| City | Level | Period | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New BedfordGrade A | 0.908 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 22.7% | Safe |
| BurlingtonGrade A | 0.898 mg/LAverage of 13 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 22.4% | Safe |
| HaverhillGrade A | 0.870 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 21.8% | Safe |
| WakefieldGrade B | 0.873 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 21.8% | Safe |
| Fall RiverGrade A | 0.859 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 21.5% | Safe |
| MarlboroughGrade A | 0.834 mg/LAverage of 5 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 20.9% | Safe |
| CambridgeGrade B | 0.816 mg/LAverage of 6 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 20.4% | Safe |
| LawrenceGrade A | 0.786 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 19.6% | Safe |
| SalemGrade A | 0.757 mg/LAverage of 6 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 18.9% | Safe |
| BeverlyGrade A | 0.757 mg/LAverage of 6 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 18.9% | Safe |
| FitchburgGrade B | 0.739 mg/LAverage of 16 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 18.5% | Safe |
| LynnGrade B | 0.735 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 18.4% | Safe |
| AttleboroGrade C | 0.717 mg/LAverage of 24 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 17.9% | Safe |
| AndoverGrade F | 0.700 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 17.5% | Safe |
| TauntonGrade A | 0.688 mg/LAverage of 11 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 17.2% | Safe |
| WoburnGrade C | 0.685 mg/LAverage of 16 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 17.1% | Safe |
| LowellGrade B | 0.657 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 16.4% | Safe |
| NeedhamGrade C | 0.533 mg/LAverage of 3 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 13.3% | Safe |
| PeabodyGrade B | 0.482 mg/LAverage of 21 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 12.1% | Safe |
| NatickGrade C | 0.385 mg/LAverage of 13 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 9.6% | Safe |
| WorcesterGrade A | 0.015 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.4% | Safe |
| BraintreeGrade C | 0.018 mg/LAverage of 8 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.4% | Safe |
| SpringfieldGrade A | 0 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| BrocktonGrade A | 0 mg/LAverage of 19 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.0% | Safe |
| MethuenGrade B | 0 mg/LAverage of 7 samples | 2012–2019 | 4.00 mg/L | 0.0% | Safe |
Showing 25 of 29 cities. View individual city pages for detailed reports.
While fluoride at low levels is added to prevent tooth decay, excessive exposure can cause problems. Dental fluorosis causes white spots on teeth in children. Skeletal fluorosis from long-term exposure to very high levels can cause joint stiffness and bone damage. Studies have suggested potential links between high fluoride levels and thyroid function issues.
Water additive for dental health; erosion of natural deposits; discharge from fertilizer factories
Based on our analysis of EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) data and local water utility reports,fluoride has been detected in 29 Massachusetts water systems. The average level across all tested cities is 13% of the EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), with the highest detection at 22.7% of the limit.
The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L. The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4 mg/L. This limit is set to protect public health based on available scientific evidence about the contaminant's health effects.
29 Massachusetts cities have fluoride detected in their water supply. All tested cities are within EPA safety limits.
Dental fluorosis (tooth discoloration), skeletal problems at high levels, potential thyroid effects. The most vulnerable groups include children during tooth development and people with kidney disease.
The most effective methods for removing fluoride include Reverse Osmosis, Distillation, Activated Alumina. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI for fluoride reduction.
The EPA Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for fluoride is 4 mg/L.The EPA MCL for fluoride is 4.0 mg/L, with a secondary standard of 2.0 mg/L.
This page shows what Massachusetts utilities reported for fluoride. It cannot tell you what is coming out of your own tap: utility samples are taken across a whole system and averaged, levels vary by address and season, and anything picked up after the water leaves the main never appears in their report.
Home water test kitscheck your own tap before buying any filterRecommended filtration methods for fluoride removal:
Removes 90-95% of fluoride
Very effective
Specifically designed for fluoride
Paid links. We earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Filters are matched to the removal methods listed above for fluoride.