B71/100
Boston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 675,647 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Boston's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.022 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2020.
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
BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA)
Population Served
675,647
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA3035000
Frequently Asked Questions About Boston Water
Is Boston tap water safe to drink?
Boston, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of B (71/100), which is considered good. Out of 76 contaminants tested, 1 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 Boston's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Boston's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Boston have any water quality violations?
Yes, Boston has 5 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include TT, MCL, Other. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Boston?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Boston 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 Boston's tap water come from?
Boston's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA). The system serves approximately 675,647 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Boston'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. Boston'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 Boston's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Boston's water quality score of 71/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our Massachusetts state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Boston's water quality?
If you have concerns about Boston'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 (BOSTON WATER AND SEWER COMMISSION (MWRA)) 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.