TapSafetyReport
F0/100

Townsend Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 6,500 residents · Massachusetts

What's In Townsend's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.003 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

8

Violations (last 5yr)

3

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2023 – July 11, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 29, 2022 – July 11, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – June 15, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – June 15, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – August 16, 2021Enforcement: Formal — state order issued

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

TOWNSEND WATER DEPARTMENT
Population Served

6,500

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

MA2299000

Frequently Asked Questions About Townsend Water

Is Townsend tap water safe to drink?

Townsend, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 116 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Townsend's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Townsend'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 Townsend have any water quality violations?

Yes, Townsend has 116 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, Other, MCL. 14 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Townsend?

Townsend 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 Townsend's tap water come from?

Townsend's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by TOWNSEND WATER DEPARTMENT. The system serves approximately 6,500 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Townsend'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. Townsend'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 Townsend's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?

Townsend'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 Townsend's water quality?

If you have concerns about Townsend'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 (TOWNSEND 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.

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