F12/100
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 21,287 people · Massachusetts
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
MA2103000
Violations
46
Contaminant Test Results
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.02 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 253.56 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 2Resolved
Failed treatment technique requirements
When: January 1, 2022 – January 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
Frequently Asked Questions About GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT
Is GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT water safe to drink?
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT water receives a grade of F (12/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 46 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT detected?
70 contaminants were tested in GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT have any EPA violations?
Yes, GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT has 46 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2022. Violation types include TT, Other, MR. 7 are health-based violations.
How many people does GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT serve?
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT serves approximately 21,287 people, Massachusetts. The system provides water to 1 community: Gardner.
What type of water does GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT provide?
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is MA2103000.
How does GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT compare to other utilities in Massachusetts?
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT scores 12/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Massachusetts state page for a full comparison of water systems.