F0/100
Fall River Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 94,000 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Fall River's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.012 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2021.
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
FALL RIVER WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
94,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MA4095000
Frequently Asked Questions About Fall River Water
Is Fall River tap water safe to drink?
Fall River, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 54 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Fall River's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Fall River'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 Fall River have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fall River has 54 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fall River?
Fall River 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 Fall River's tap water come from?
Fall River's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FALL RIVER WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 94,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fall River'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. Fall River'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 Fall River's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Fall River'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 Fall River's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fall River'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 (FALL RIVER 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.