F0/100
Lawrence Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 88,877 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Lawrence'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 280.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
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
LAWRENCE WATER WORKS
Population Served
88,877
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MA3149000
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawrence Water
Is Lawrence tap water safe to drink?
Lawrence, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 182 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Lawrence's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Lawrence's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Lawrence have any water quality violations?
Yes, Lawrence has 182 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, TT, Other. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Lawrence?
Lawrence 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 Lawrence's tap water come from?
Lawrence's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by LAWRENCE WATER WORKS. The system serves approximately 88,877 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Lawrence'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. Lawrence'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 Lawrence's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Lawrence'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 Lawrence's water quality?
If you have concerns about Lawrence'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 (LAWRENCE WATER WORKS) 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.