01824
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County · Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area
BILLERICA WATER WORKS

Is tap water in Chelmsford (01824) safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: October 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested October 2024.
Township:
  • Chelmsford, MA
Neighborhood:
  • Middlesex Village

The short answer for Chelmsford (01824)

Lowell tap water has 7 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOA at 1.8× the limit (tested October 2024). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

The health risk for Lowell

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
  • PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA above limit.
PFOA concentration (µg/L) October 2024
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.007 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
82% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.007 µg/L
Certified Filters for Lowell Tap Water

PFOA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for Lowell tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & P473Removes 99.99% PFASMade in USABPA-free
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
Get the Epic Pure XP →
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA
Tested: October 2024 · "Mill Road Wells (1R, 2R, 3)"		 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 82% above limit
PFOA
Tested: April 2024 · Riverneck WTP		 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 80% above limit
PFOA
Tested: April 2024 · Smith Street Wells GWTP		 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 68% above limit
PFOS
Tested: October 2024 · "Mill Road Wells (1R, 2R, 3)"		 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 45% above limit
PFOS
Tested: April 2024 · Riverneck WTP		 0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 12% above limit
View all tested compounds

Riverneck WTP · Tested: April 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 80% above limit
PFOS 0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 12% above limit
PFPeA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 7% above limit
PFHxA 0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

"Mill Road Wells (1R, 2R, 3)" · Tested: October 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 82% above limit
PFOS 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 45% above limit
PFHxA 0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Smith Street Wells GWTP · Tested: April 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA 0.007 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 68% above limit
PFPeA 0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 3% above limit
PFHxA 0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Crooked Spring WTP · Tested: April 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Water utilities serving ZIP 01824

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 01824 Tap Water

What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 01824?

ZIP 01824 has 7 contaminants above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data, including PFOA at 1.8x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.

Will boiling ZIP 01824 tap water remove PFOA?

No. Boiling does not remove PFAS, and the compounds can actually become more concentrated as water evaporates. To reduce PFAS at home, use a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis).

Do basic pitcher filters remove PFOA?

Most basic pitcher filters are only certified to NSF/ANSI 42 or 53, which do not cover PFAS. Look for a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) on the spec sheet.

Who provides tap water in ZIP 01824?

Public records identify BILLERICA WATER WORKS as a primary water system associated with ZIP 01824. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 01824 tap water last tested?

The most recent test date used in this report is October 2024. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.

Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 01824?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact BILLERICA WATER WORKS or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 01824. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOA: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)
Last tested October 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

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    Nearby ZIP reports

    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Protect your water in Lowell → see certified filters