D31/100
Paxton Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 4,300 residents · Massachusetts
What's In Paxton's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.10 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
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
PAXTON WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served
4,300
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA2228000
Frequently Asked Questions About Paxton Water
Is Paxton tap water safe to drink?
Paxton, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of D (31/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 17 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Paxton's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Paxton's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Paxton have any water quality violations?
Yes, Paxton has 17 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2014. Violation types include MCL, MR, TT. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Paxton?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Paxton is recommended. 1 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 Paxton's tap water come from?
Paxton's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by PAXTON WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 4,300 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Paxton'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. Paxton'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 Paxton's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
Paxton's water quality score of 31/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Paxton's water quality?
If you have concerns about Paxton'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 (PAXTON 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.