D34/100
Chelmsford Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 31,550 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Chelmsford's Tap Water?
73
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 320.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
28,750
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MA3056000
EAST CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
2,800
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA3056001
Frequently Asked Questions About Chelmsford Water
Is Chelmsford tap water safe to drink?
Chelmsford, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of D (34/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 131 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Chelmsford's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Chelmsford's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Chelmsford have any water quality violations?
Yes, Chelmsford has 131 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2018. Violation types include RPT, MR, Other. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Chelmsford?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Chelmsford is recommended. 2 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 Chelmsford's tap water come from?
Chelmsford's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 31,550 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Chelmsford'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. Chelmsford'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 Chelmsford's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Chelmsford's water quality score of 34/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Chelmsford's water quality?
If you have concerns about Chelmsford'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 (CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT) 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.