TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Barre Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 4,098 residents · Massachusetts

What's In Barre's Tap Water?

32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
5.70 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.002 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

22

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025 – January 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2024 – August 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2021 – September 28, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued

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

BARRE WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

4,098

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

MA2021000

Frequently Asked Questions About Barre Water

Is Barre tap water safe to drink?

Barre, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 95 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Barre's water?

Of the 32 contaminants tested in Barre's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Barre have any water quality violations?

Yes, Barre has 95 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 18 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Barre?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Barre is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Barre's tap water come from?

Barre's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by BARRE WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 4,098 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Barre'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. Barre'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 Barre's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Barre's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Massachusetts state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Barre's water quality?

If you have concerns about Barre'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 (BARRE WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.

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