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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality data for 8 cities serving 576,442 residents
Essex County in Massachusetts has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 8 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 576,442 residents.
Overall, Essex County demonstrates good water quality standards. 5 of 8 cities exceed the county average, with Haverhill leading with a score of 100/100.
8 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Haverhill | 100 | A | 61,277 |
| 2 | Lawrence Biggest deduction: Other PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling: PFHxA 3.1 ppt, PFPeA 3 ppt (−4 pts) | 96 | A | 89,143 |
| 3 | Salem Biggest deduction: 12 monitoring/reporting violations in the last 5 years (−10 pts) | 90 | A | 90,330 |
| 4 | Beverly Biggest deduction: 12 monitoring/reporting violations in the last 5 years (−10 pts) | 90 | A | 90,330 |
| 5 | Methuen Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 4 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2024-09-19), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 86 | B | 53,059 |
| 6 | Lynn Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 4.7 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2023-11-01), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 84 | B | 101,253 |
| 7 | Peabody Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 7 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2025-10-06), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 84 | B | 54,481 |
| 8 | Andover Biggest deduction: 2 health-based violations (MCL/treatment-technique) in the last 5 years (−20 pts) | 58 | F | 36,569 |
Real EPA readings across county water systems (lead: latest 90th percentile; PFAS: UCMR5 2023–2026; others: 2012–2019 averages)
| Contaminant | Avg Level | Max Level | EPA Limit | % of Limit | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5) | 2.617 ppt | 7 ppt | 4 ppt | 65.4% | 6 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 45.609 ug/L | 55.845 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 57% | 8 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 19.452 ug/L | 28.372 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 32.4% | 8 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.636 mg/L | 0.87 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 15.9% | 8 |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 1.448 ppb | 4.18 ppb | 15 ppb | 9.7% | 8 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 0.226 ug/L | 0.833 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 2.3% | 8 |
| Nitrate (2012–2019 avg) | 0.129 mg/L | 0.297 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 1.3% | 8 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Health-based: Treatment technique — WQP Entry Point/Tap Treatment Technique Non-Compliance - Lead and Copper Rule
12/31/2021
Health-based: Treatment technique — Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) - Lead and Copper Rule
10/31/2021
Health-based: Treatment technique — WQP Entry Point/Tap Treatment Technique Non-Compliance - Lead and Copper Rule
6/30/2016
Showing 10 of 20 recent violations
Water quality in Essex County, Massachusetts reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 8 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 576,442 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 58/100 in Andover to 100/100 in Haverhill. This 42-point spread indicates significant variation in water quality across the county, suggesting different water sources or treatment approaches.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Essex County water systems include PFAS (PFOA/PFOS max, UCMR5), TTHM (2012–2019 avg), HAA5 (2012–2019 avg). At least one reading averages above 50% of its EPA limit across the county's systems, worth attention from residents and utilities.
Essex County's water quality is generally good. Residents can feel confident in their tap water quality, though those with specific health concerns or sensitivity to certain contaminants may still benefit from filtration. Regular review of your city's annual Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
Essex County has an average water quality score of 86/100 (Grade B) based on analysis of 8 municipal water systems serving 576,442 residents.
Haverhill has the highest water quality score in Essex County at 100/100. View the detailed report for Haverhill.
Most cities in Essex County have water that meets EPA standards. However, a water filter can provide additional protection and improve taste. The need depends on your specific city and any personal health considerations.
Click on any city in the rankings table above to view its detailed water quality report, including contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and filter recommendations.