A80/100
Athol Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,418 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Athol's Tap Water?
51
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
ATHOL DPW WATER DIVISION
Population Served
10,418
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MA1015000
Frequently Asked Questions About Athol Water
Is Athol tap water safe to drink?
Athol, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of A (80/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 51 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Athol's water?
Of the 51 contaminants tested in Athol's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Athol have any water quality violations?
Yes, Athol has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include Other, MCL. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Athol?
Athol water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Athol's tap water come from?
Athol's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ATHOL DPW WATER DIVISION. The system serves approximately 10,418 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Athol's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Athol's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Athol's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Athol's water quality score of 80/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Athol among the better-performing water systems in Massachusetts. Visit our Massachusetts state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Athol's water quality?
If you have concerns about Athol's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ATHOL DPW WATER DIVISION) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.