02494
Needham, MA
Norfolk County · Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH metro area
WELLESLEY WATER DIVISION

Is tap water in Needham Heights (02494) safe to drink?

Some concern
Last tested: October 2024
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested October 2024.
Community:
  • Needham Heights, MA

The short answer for Needham Heights (02494)

Needham tap water has 1 detected contaminant, currently below EPA limits (tested July 2024). PFOA measured closest to the threshold. See the full compound-by-compound report.

The health risk for Needham

PFAS traces were detected in local water tests, though levels are currently below EPA limits. Since no amount of PFAS is considered completely safe by health researchers, a certified filter adds a meaningful layer of protection, especially for children.
  • PFAS or other chemicals detected; no confirmed exceedances in multiple samples.
PFOA concentration (µg/L) July 2024
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.004 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
100% of limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.004 µg/L
Add a Layer of Protection for Needham Tap Water

PFOA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected below EPA limits. A certified filter can still add an extra layer of protection.

Water filter recommendation for Needham 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 · Charles River WTP		 0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 100% of limit
View all tested compounds

Charles River WTP · Tested: July 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOA 0.004 µg/L 0.004 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
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

MWRA Connection · Tested: October 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 02494

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 02494 Tap Water

What's in ZIP 02494 tap water?

ZIP 02494 has 1 detected contaminant below EPA limits in this dataset. PFOA measured closest to its guideline.

Will boiling ZIP 02494 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 02494?

Public records identify WELLESLEY WATER DIVISION as a primary water system associated with ZIP 02494. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.

When was ZIP 02494 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 02494?

Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact WELLESLEY WATER DIVISION or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 02494. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.

Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA drinking water standard (ADONA: 0,003 µg/L)
Last tested October 2024
Last page update 2026-05-05

Check another ZIP code

    Nearby ZIP reports

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

    Filter Needham tap water → see certified options