Lowell
MA

Is Lowell, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Lowell tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 1 of 6 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.

2Water systems
6ZIP codes
16.7%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaBoston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH
Latest data2024-10-08

Where Does Lowell Get Its Water?

Water in Lowell, MA is provided by 2 public water systems: LOWELL REGIONAL WATER UTILITY and CHELMSFORD WATER DISTRICT.

How Is Lowell Tap Water Treated?

Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and on-site generated disinfectant. Treatment includes air stripping, conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, membrane filtration, post-ozone biofiltration and slow sand filtration.

What's in Lowell Tap Water?

The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Lowell public water systems. 1 of 6 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
PFOA 0.0073 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 1 ZIP Above guideline
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFOS 0.0058 µg/L — 1 ZIP Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Lowell

Based on EPA monitoring data, 1 of 6 ZIP codes in Lowell have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.

Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile

This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.

See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lowell Tap Water

Is Lowell tap water safe to drink?

Lowell tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 1 of 6 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

What contaminants are in Lowell tap water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Lowell water systems include: PFOA, lithium, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.

Where does Lowell get its drinking water?

Lowell receives water from 2 public water systems, including LOWELL REGIONAL WATER UTILITY.

Do I need a water filter in Lowell?

If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.

How often is Lowell tap water tested?

Public water systems in Lowell are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2024-10-08.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Lowell

Water utilities serving Lowell, MA

Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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