F0/100
Marshfield Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,000 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Marshfield's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.35 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2022 – August 15, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 11, 2022 – January 23, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: March 11, 2022 – January 23, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: March 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
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
MARSHFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
34,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MA4171000
Frequently Asked Questions About Marshfield Water
Is Marshfield tap water safe to drink?
Marshfield, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 67 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Marshfield's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Marshfield's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Copper (90th percentile), 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 Marshfield have any water quality violations?
Yes, Marshfield has 67 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include Other, RPT, MON. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Marshfield?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Marshfield 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 Marshfield's tap water come from?
Marshfield's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MARSHFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 34,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Marshfield'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. Marshfield'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 Marshfield's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Marshfield'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 Marshfield's water quality?
If you have concerns about Marshfield'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 (MARSHFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT) 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.