D38/100
Fitchburg Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 41,946 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Fitchburg's Tap Water?
70
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.27 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY
Population Served
41,946
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MA2097000
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitchburg Water
Is Fitchburg tap water safe to drink?
Fitchburg, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of D (38/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 15 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Fitchburg's water?
Of the 70 contaminants tested in Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg have any water quality violations?
Yes, Fitchburg has 15 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include MR, MCL, TT. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Fitchburg?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Fitchburg 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 Fitchburg's tap water come from?
Fitchburg's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY. The system serves approximately 41,946 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Fitchburg'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. Fitchburg'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 Fitchburg's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Fitchburg's water quality score of 38/100 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 Fitchburg's water quality?
If you have concerns about Fitchburg'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 (FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY) 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.