F5/100
North Reading Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,054 residents · Massachusetts
What's In North Reading's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 220.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 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
NORTH READING WATER DEPT.
Population Served
16,054
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA3213000
Frequently Asked Questions About North Reading Water
Is North Reading tap water safe to drink?
North Reading, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (5/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 53 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in North Reading's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in North Reading's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does North Reading have any water quality violations?
Yes, North Reading has 53 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2020. Violation types include MCL, TT, RPT. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in North Reading?
North Reading 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does North Reading's tap water come from?
North Reading's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by NORTH READING WATER DEPT.. The system serves approximately 16,054 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is North Reading'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. North Reading'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 North Reading's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
North Reading's water quality score of 5/100 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 North Reading's water quality?
If you have concerns about North Reading'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 (NORTH READING WATER DEPT.) 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.