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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 data for 18 cities serving 1,041,851 residents
Middlesex County in Massachusetts has an average water quality score of 84/100 (Grade B+) based on analysis of 18 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 1,041,851 residents.
Overall, Middlesex County demonstrates good water quality standards. 11 of 18 cities exceed the county average, with Lowell leading with a score of 96/100.
18 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lowell Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (22.1% of limit) | 96 | A+ | 113,624 |
| 2 | Framingham Top concern: Fluoride (16.1% of limit) | 96 | A+ | 72,753 |
| 3 | Everett Top concern: Fluoride (15.1% of limit) | 96 | A+ | 52,667 |
| 4 | Reading Top concern: Total Trihalomethanes (22.3% of limit) | 94 | A | 29,952 |
| 5 | Somerville Top concern: Nitrite (13.4% of limit) | 89 | A- | 84,557 |
| 6 | Medford Top concern: Total Trihalomethanes (41.6% of limit) | 87 | A- | 65,507 |
| 7 | Cambridge Top concern: Copper (18.2% of limit) | 86 | A- | 122,715 |
| 8 | Watertown Top concern: Fluoride (19% of limit) | 86 | A- | 33,851 |
| 9 | Waltham Top concern: Total Trihalomethanes (17.2% of limit) | 84 | B+ | 68,019 |
| 10 | Arlington Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (20.3% of limit) | 84 | B+ | 48,424 |
| 11 | Natick Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (14.5% of limit) | 84 | B+ | 36,619 |
| 12 | Malden Top concern: Lead (31.1% of limit) | 83 | B+ | 67,226 |
| 13 | Burlington Top concern: Fluoride (19.1% of limit) | 82 | B+ | 22,158 |
| 14 | Wakefield Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (37.9% of limit) | 79 | B | 25,529 |
| 15 | Marlborough Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (30.2% of limit) | 78 | B | 41,678 |
| 16 | Belmont Top concern: Lead (35.3% of limit) | 72 | B- | 26,576 |
| 17 | Newton Top concern: Haloacetic Acids (67.9% of limit) | 70 | B- | 83,751 |
| 18 | Woburn Top concern: Chromium (41.4% of limit) | 65 | C+ | 46,245 |
Top detected contaminants across county water systems
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluoride | 0.766 mg/L | 1.472 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 19.1% | 18 |
| Haloacetic Acids | 10.834 ug/L | 40.743 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 18.1% | 16 |
| Copper | 0.227 mg/L | 0.731 mg/L | 1.3 mg/L | 17.5% | 16 |
| Lead | 0.003 mg/L | 0.006 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | 16.9% | 14 |
| Total Trihalomethanes | 12.119 ug/L | 33.24 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 15.1% | 15 |
| Nitrate | 1.388 mg/L | 3.972 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 13.9% | 17 |
| Nitrite | 0.137 mg/L | 0.387 mg/L | 1 mg/L | 13.7% | 16 |
| Chromium | 0.012 mg/L | 0.041 mg/L | 0.1 mg/L | 12.5% | 17 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Showing 10 of 20 recent violations
Water quality in Middlesex County, Massachusetts reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 18 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 1,041,851 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 65/100 in Woburn to 96/100 in Lowell. This 31-point spread indicates significant variation in water quality across the county, suggesting different water sources or treatment approaches.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Middlesex County water systems include Fluoride, Haloacetic Acids, Copper. All monitored contaminants remain within acceptable levels relative to EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).
Middlesex County's water quality is generally good. Residents can feel confident in their tap water quality, though those with specific health concerns or sensitivity to certain contaminants may still benefit from filtration. Regular review of your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
Middlesex County has an average water quality score of 84/100 (Grade B+) based on analysis of 18 municipal water systems serving 1,041,851 residents.
Lowell has the highest water quality score in Middlesex County at 96/100. View the detailed report for Lowell.
Most cities in Middlesex County have water that meets EPA standards. However, a water filter can provide additional protection and improve taste. The need depends on your specific city and any personal health considerations.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.