F0/100
Manchester By The Sea Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,170 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Manchester By The Sea's Tap Water?
34
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.012 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/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
MANCHESTER BY THE SEA DPW
Population Served
5,170
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
MA3166000
Frequently Asked Questions About Manchester By The Sea Water
Is Manchester By The Sea tap water safe to drink?
Manchester By The Sea, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 68 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Manchester By The Sea's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Manchester By The Sea's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Manchester By The Sea have any water quality violations?
Yes, Manchester By The Sea has 68 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Manchester By The Sea?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Manchester By The Sea 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 Manchester By The Sea's tap water come from?
Manchester By The Sea's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by MANCHESTER BY THE SEA DPW. The system serves approximately 5,170 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Manchester By The Sea'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. Manchester By The Sea'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 Manchester By The Sea's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Manchester By The Sea'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 Manchester By The Sea's water quality?
If you have concerns about Manchester By The Sea'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 (MANCHESTER BY THE SEA DPW) 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.