F3/100
Gloucester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 37,440 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Gloucester's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
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
GLOUCESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DIVISION
Population Served
37,440
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MA3107000
Frequently Asked Questions About Gloucester Water
Is Gloucester tap water safe to drink?
Gloucester, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (3/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 78 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Gloucester's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Gloucester'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 Gloucester have any water quality violations?
Yes, Gloucester has 78 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2013. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Gloucester?
Gloucester 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 Gloucester's tap water come from?
Gloucester's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GLOUCESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DIVISION. The system serves approximately 37,440 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Gloucester'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. Gloucester'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 Gloucester's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Gloucester's water quality score of 3/100 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 Gloucester's water quality?
If you have concerns about Gloucester'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 (GLOUCESTER PUBLIC UTILITY DIVISION) 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.