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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 3 cities serving 290,147 residents
Worcester County in Massachusetts has an average water quality score of 90/100 (Grade A) based on analysis of 3 municipal water systems. The county's water systems serve approximately 290,147 residents.
Overall, Worcester County demonstrates good water quality standards. 2 of 3 cities exceed the county average, with Worcester leading with a score of 98/100.
3 cities ranked by water quality score
| Rank | City | Score | Grade | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Worcester Biggest deduction: Other PFAS detected in UCMR5 sampling: PFPeA 3.2 ppt (−2 pts) | 98 | A | 206,518 |
| 2 | Leominster Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 4.3 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2025-01-08), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 90 | A | 41,683 |
| 3 | Fitchburg Biggest deduction: PFOA detected at up to 4.9 ppt in UCMR5 sampling (2024-12-04), at or above EPA's 4 ppt MCL (−10 pts) | 83 | B | 41,946 |
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) | 3.067 ppt | 4.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 76.7% | 3 |
| TTHM (2012–2019 avg) | 49.482 ug/L | 52.346 ug/L | 80 ug/L | 61.9% | 3 |
| HAA5 (2012–2019 avg) | 31.473 ug/L | 36.015 ug/L | 60 ug/L | 52.5% | 3 |
| Lead (90th percentile) | 3.267 ppb | 5 ppb | 15 ppb | 21.8% | 3 |
| Fluoride (2012–2019 avg) | 0.251 mg/L | 0.739 mg/L | 4 mg/L | 6.3% | 3 |
| Nitrate (2012–2019 avg) | 0.072 mg/L | 0.081 mg/L | 10 mg/L | 0.7% | 3 |
| Arsenic (2012–2019 avg) | 0 ug/L | 0 ug/L | 10 ug/L | 0% | 3 |
Recent violations across county water systems
Health-based: MCL exceeded — Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
9/30/2018
Health-based: MCL exceeded — Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, Average - Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
6/30/2018
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) - Surface Water Treatment Rule
10/31/2017
Monitoring & reporting — Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) - Surface Water Treatment Rule
2/28/2017
Water quality in Worcester County, Massachusetts reflects the region's unique combination of water sources, treatment infrastructure, and environmental factors. Our comprehensive analysis examines 3 municipal water systems serving a combined population of over 290,147 residents.
The county shows strong water quality performance, with scores ranging from 83/100 in Fitchburg to 98/100 in Worcester. This 15-point spread indicates relatively consistent water quality standards across municipal systems.
The most prevalent contaminants detected across Worcester 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.
Worcester 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.
Worcester County has an average water quality score of 90/100 (Grade A) based on analysis of 3 municipal water systems serving 290,147 residents.
Worcester has the highest water quality score in Worcester County at 98/100. View the detailed report for Worcester.
Most cities in Worcester 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.