Massachusetts – The Bay State – Water Quality Report 2025: PFAS Testing, Infrastructure Concerns & Safety across your state
Massachusetts’ water infrastructure serves approximately 7.1 million residents through a sophisticated network of over 415 public water systems, ranging from the massive Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) that serves 3.1 million people across 61 communities including Boston, to smaller municipal and private systems throughout the Commonwealth. The state’s water sources include the protected Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs in central Massachusetts, numerous rivers including the Connecticut, Merrimack, and Charles, plus groundwater aquifers that support both urban centers and rural communities across the state.
Massachusetts faces unique water quality challenges despite generally high-quality source waters. About 181 water systems in Massachusetts will be affected by new EPA limits on PFAS in drinking water. About 95 water systems in the state will now have to address these so-called “forever chemicals” for the first time, a process that can cost millions of dollars. The state has been a national leader in PFAS regulation, implementing its own drinking water standard in 2020 that set limits at 20 parts per trillion for six PFAS compounds combined—more stringent than many other states. Massachusetts already has a costly backlog of water infrastructure needs, with industry estimates showing the state needs $15 billion over the next 20 years to maintain compliance with existing Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Despite these challenges, Massachusetts continues to demonstrate strong commitment to water quality protection through robust monitoring programs, infrastructure investments, and innovative treatment technologies that position the state as a leader in addressing emerging contaminants.
Massachusetts Water Quality: Current Status (2024-2025)
Statewide Compliance and Testing
- Overall Compliance: The majority of Massachusetts’ public water systems meet federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards, though approximately 181 systems will be affected by new EPA PFAS limits, with 95 systems needing to address “forever chemicals” for the first time.
- PFAS Leadership: Massachusetts established its own PFAS drinking water standard in October 2020, setting a maximum contaminant level of 20 parts per trillion for the sum of six PFAS compounds, making it among the first states to regulate these chemicals.
- MWRA Protection: The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, which provides drinking water to 3.1 million people and over 5,500 businesses in 61 communities including Boston, has tested for all PFAS compounds included in new EPA rules, with results “either not-detectable or at trace levels so low they can’t be quantified.”
Major Water Sources and Systems
- MWRA System: Serves the Greater Boston area through the protected Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs, with water treated at the John J. Carroll Water Treatment Plant in Marlborough using ozone, ultraviolet light, and advanced filtration technologies.
- Metropolitan Tunnel Program: MWRA is constructing two new water supply tunnels through the $2.1 billion Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program, with final design started in 2024 and first construction contract bidding targeted for 2027, providing redundancy for aging infrastructure.
- Regional Systems: Smaller municipal systems throughout the state face challenges with PFAS compliance and aging infrastructure, with many exploring connections to the MWRA system as a long-term solution.
Emerging Contaminant Response
- PFAS Regulation Updates: Massachusetts released its own regulations for PFAS in drinking water in 2020, and MassDEP is now reviewing EPA’s proposed changes, with new federal limits of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS taking effect by 2031.
- Treatment Technology Implementation: Communities like Littleton have invested $16 million in state-of-the-art treatment plants, while Barnstable has invested at least $27 million to address PFAS contamination through advanced filtration systems.
- Legislative Action: The Massachusetts Legislature is considering comprehensive PFAS legislation that would ban these chemicals in children’s products, personal care products, food packaging, and firefighting foam, following the lead of neighboring states.
Infrastructure Investment and Challenges
- Funding Needs: Industry estimates show Massachusetts needs $15 billion over the next 20 years to maintain compliance with existing Safe Drinking Water Act standards, with additional costs for PFAS treatment and emerging contaminant removal.
- Lead Service Line Replacement: New federal regulations require Massachusetts drinking water systems to replace all lead pipes within 10 years, with the EPA providing nearly $53.5 million to help meet this goal.
- Rate Impact Projections: The 2024 Water & Sewer Retail Rate Survey shows varying rate increases across MWRA communities, with some experiencing increases above 5% as utilities invest in infrastructure upgrades and PFAS treatment systems.
Looking Forward: 2025-2030
Massachusetts’ water quality landscape is positioned for significant transformation as the state implements stricter federal PFAS regulations while maintaining its leadership role in water quality protection. The Commonwealth’s proactive approach to PFAS regulation, combined with robust infrastructure investments through programs like the MWRA’s Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program, demonstrates a commitment to long-term water security. However, successful implementation of new regulations will require sustained funding, continued innovation in treatment technologies, and coordinated efforts between state regulators, water utilities, and communities to ensure that all Massachusetts residents have access to safe, reliable drinking water while addressing the financial challenges of infrastructure modernization and emerging contaminant treatment.
Recommendations for Massachusetts Residents
Know Your Water Source
Contact your water utility to request annual water quality reports and ask about PFAS testing results. Visit MassDEP’s online database to access your local system’s testing data and understand any contaminants of concern in your area.
Support Infrastructure Investment
Stay informed about local water infrastructure needs and support utility rate structures that enable necessary improvements. Attend public meetings when utilities discuss PFAS treatment investments and system upgrades.
Consider PFAS-Certified Filtration
For areas with known PFAS contamination, consider NSF-certified activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters specifically tested for PFAS removal. These can provide additional protection while utilities implement treatment upgrades.
Report Water Quality Concerns
Contact your local water utility immediately for taste, odor, or color concerns. Report suspected contamination to MassDEP’s Drinking Water Program at (617) 292-5770 for investigation and follow-up.
Practice Water Conservation
Support Massachusetts’ water sustainability by implementing conservation measures, especially during drought conditions. Reducing demand helps utilities maintain system reliability and manage costs associated with infrastructure improvements.
Massachusetts Cities We Cover
Boston Water Quality
Comprehensive analysis of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority system serving Boston and surrounding communities. Includes information on source water protection, treatment processes, PFAS monitoring, and the major infrastructure investments protecting Greater Boston’s water supply.
Cape Cod Water Quality
Detailed assessment of Cape Cod’s unique water challenges, including groundwater protection, PFAS contamination from military installations, seasonal demand fluctuations, and the region’s efforts to maintain water quality while supporting tourism and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts’ tap water safe to drink?
Most of Massachusetts’ public water systems meet federal drinking water standards and are safe for consumption. The MWRA system serving Boston and surrounding areas has particularly high-quality water with no detectable PFAS levels.
Massachusetts was among the first states to establish its own PFAS drinking water standard in 2020, setting limits at 20 parts per trillion for six PFAS compounds combined. While about 181 water systems will be affected by new federal PFAS limits, many systems already have treatment in place or are implementing upgrades. The state continues to monitor water quality closely and has received federal funding to help communities address emerging contaminants and infrastructure needs.
How is Massachusetts addressing PFAS contamination?
Massachusetts has been a national leader in PFAS regulation and response, implementing comprehensive monitoring and treatment programs.
The state established its own PFAS drinking water standard in 2020, requiring extensive testing across all public water systems. Massachusetts is now working to comply with new federal standards that lower limits to 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS by 2031. Communities are investing in advanced treatment technologies, with examples like Littleton’s $16 million treatment plant and Barnstable’s $27 million investment. The state legislature is also considering comprehensive PFAS legislation to ban these chemicals in consumer products, following the lead of neighboring states.
How can I find out about my local water quality?
Massachusetts residents can access comprehensive water quality information through several resources:
• Annual Water Quality Reports: Contact your water utility directly for their Consumer Confidence Report, which details all testing results and any violations or concerns
• MassDEP Data Portal: Visit the Massachusetts Environmental Data Portal to access testing results and compliance information for your local water system
• PFAS Testing Data: MassDEP requires all public water systems to test for PFAS and makes results publicly available through their online database
• MWRA Customers: If you receive MWRA water, visit mwra.com for detailed water quality reports and real-time system information
What are Massachusetts’ main water infrastructure challenges?
Massachusetts faces several significant water infrastructure challenges:
Funding Needs: The state requires an estimated $15 billion over the next 20 years to maintain compliance with existing drinking water standards, plus additional investments for PFAS treatment
Aging Infrastructure: Many water systems need modernization, including the MWRA’s $2.1 billion Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program to provide redundancy for aging tunnels
Lead Service Lines: New federal regulations require all lead pipes to be replaced within 10 years, affecting many older communities
Emerging Contaminants: Implementation of stricter PFAS standards requires expensive treatment technologies that many smaller systems struggle to afford
The state is addressing these challenges through federal infrastructure funding, rate adjustments, and innovative financing programs to ensure continued access to safe drinking water.
Contaminants of Concern
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
Source: Industrial manufacturing, firefighting foam use at military bases including Cape Cod installations, consumer products including non-stick cookware and stain-resistant textiles
Health Effects: Linked to kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, immune system suppression, high cholesterol, and developmental effects in children
Current Status: About 181 Massachusetts water systems will be affected by new EPA limits, with 95 systems needing to address PFAS for the first time. MWRA system shows non-detectable levels. EPA Limits: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS individually, compliance required by 2031
Lead Service Lines
Source: Aging water distribution infrastructure in older Massachusetts communities, particularly homes built before 1986 when lead pipes were commonly used for service connections
Health Effects: Lead is a potent neurotoxin that can harm mental and physical development in children, slow learning, and cause kidney damage and increased blood pressure in adults
Current Status: New federal regulations require all lead pipes to be replaced within 10 years, with EPA providing nearly $53.5 million to Massachusetts communities for replacement programs Regulatory Response: Lowered action level from 15 to 10 parts per billion, with enhanced monitoring and community notification requirements
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