C45/100
NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 11,495 people · Massachusetts
Water Source
Groundwater
County
—
System ID
MA4219000
Violations
13
Contaminant Test Results
4 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
PFOS | 0.007 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 320.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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, 2024Rule: Ground Water 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: September 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform 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 NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT
Is NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT water safe to drink?
NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT water receives a grade of C (45/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 13 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT detected?
66 contaminants were tested in NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT's water. Notable contaminants include PFOA, PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT have any EPA violations?
Yes, NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT has 13 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MR, MON, MCL. 5 are health-based violations.
How many people does NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT serve?
NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT serves approximately 11,495 people, Massachusetts. The system provides water to 1 community: Norwell.
What type of water does NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT provide?
NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT sources its water from groundwater. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration. The utility's system ID is MA4219000.
How does NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT compare to other utilities in Massachusetts?
NORWELL WATER DEPARTMENT scores 45/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our Massachusetts state page for a full comparison of water systems.