Is Worcester, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Worcester tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 3 of 8 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFPeA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Worcester Get Its Water?
Water in Worcester, MA is provided by 4 public water systems: WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION, AQUARION WATER COMPANY, MILLBURY, SHREWSBURY WATER DEPARTMENT and WEST BOYLSTON WATER DISTRICT.
How Is Worcester Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using chloramines and free chlorine and ozone. Treatment includes air stripping, conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration) and ion exchange.
What's in Worcester Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Worcester public water systems. 3 of 8 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 0.0074 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 3 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFHxA | 0.0059 µg/L | — | 2 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFOS | 0.0056 µg/L | — | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Worcester
Based on EPA monitoring data, 3 of 8 ZIP codes in Worcester 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.
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 Worcester Tap Water
Is Worcester tap water safe to drink?
Worcester tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 3 of 8 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 Worcester tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Worcester water systems include: PFPeA, lithium, PFTrDA. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Worcester get its drinking water?
Worcester receives water from 4 public water systems, including WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION.
Do I need a water filter in Worcester?
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 Worcester tap water tested?
Public water systems in Worcester 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 2024-12-04.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Worcester
- 01545 - Shrewsbury, Worcester tap water report Higher concern
- 01583 - West Boylston, Worcester tap water report Higher concern
- 01602 - Cambridge Street, Worcester tap water report Some concern
- 01603 - Cambridge Street, Worcester tap water report Some concern
- 01604 - Cambridge Street, Worcester tap water report Some concern
- 01605 - Worcester tap water report Some concern
- 01606 - West Boylston, Worcester tap water report Some concern
- 01607 - Cambridge Street, Worcester tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Worcester, 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.
- SHREWSBURY WATER DEPARTMENTAction advised
- WEST BOYLSTON WATER DISTRICTAction advised
- WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISIONAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- West Boylston, MA · Township
- Shrewsbury, MA · Township