01860
Merrimac, MA
MERRIMAC WATER DEPARTMENT

Is Merrimac tap water safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: July 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested July 2024.

The short answer for Merrimac

Merrimac tap water has PFOA above EPA guidelines at 1.4× the limit (tested July 2024). See the full report with all tested compounds and filter options.

The health risk for Merrimac

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 above limit.
PFOA concentration (µg/L) July 2024
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.006 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
40% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.006 µg/L
Certified Filters for Merrimac 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 Merrimac 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: July 2024 · BEAR HILL WELLS (SARGENT'S PIT)		 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 40% above limit
6:2 FTS
Tested: July 2024 · E. MAIN ST 8" GD REPLACEMENT WELLS (4)		 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 100% of limit
View all tested compounds

BEAR HILL WELLS (SARGENT'S PIT) · Tested: July 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 40% above 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
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
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

E. MAIN ST 8" GD REPLACEMENT WELLS (4) · Tested: July 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
6:2 FTS 0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L 100% 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
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 01860

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 01860 Tap Water

What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 01860?

ZIP 01860 has PFOA above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data at 1.4x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.

Will boiling ZIP 01860 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 01860?

Public records identify MERRIMAC WATER DEPARTMENT as a primary water system associated with ZIP 01860. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 01860 tap water last tested?

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

Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 01860?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact MERRIMAC WATER DEPARTMENT or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 01860. 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 July 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

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    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 Merrimac → see certified filters