C56/100
Marlborough Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 41,799 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Marlborough'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 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
MARLBOROUGH DPW WATER DIV. (MWRA)
Population Served
41,799
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA2170000
Frequently Asked Questions About Marlborough Water
Is Marlborough tap water safe to drink?
Marlborough, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 21 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Marlborough's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Marlborough'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 Marlborough have any water quality violations?
Yes, Marlborough has 21 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MR, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Marlborough?
Marlborough 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 Marlborough's tap water come from?
Marlborough's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by MARLBOROUGH DPW WATER DIV. (MWRA). The system serves approximately 41,799 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Marlborough'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. Marlborough'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 Marlborough's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Marlborough's water quality score of 56/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Massachusetts state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Marlborough's water quality?
If you have concerns about Marlborough'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 (MARLBOROUGH DPW WATER DIV. (MWRA)) 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.