We’d love to tell you more—MWRA’s website has more information on every topic mentioned in the Annual Water Quality Report. This page provides links to topics you might want to dig deeper into.
Interested in learning more about our watershed history? As early as the 1800s, Massachusetts began securing pristine upland water sources, eventually leading to the creation of the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs. This legacy of protecting thousands of acres of forest ensures your water stays clean from the start. A full history is here.
MWRA’s water treatment facilities provide state-of-the-art disinfection, upgraded corrosion control, and follow proper treatment steps to ensure that your water meets all state and federal standards. Learn more about how your community’s water is taken care of here.
MWRA tests of over 120 regulated substances, as well as other characteristics, on a regular basis. We also conduct additional monitoring for research and to assess if more frequent testing is needed. A complete list of all substances MWRA monitors can be found here.
In addition to results of the health-related standards shown in the printed Annual Water Quality Report, MWRA tests the water regularly for other characteristics of interest. A group of these characteristics are tested because they affect the aesthetic characteristics of the water – taste, color or odor. Data on these “secondary contaminants” is here, just scroll down.
MWRA and other water systems collect data on unregulated substances in the water to help EPA determine if new standards are needed. Given MWRA’s well protected source water, relatively few are detected, and those detected are at very low levels. This data, collected under EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) is here.
MWRA’s water is copper- and lead-free when it leaves our reservoirs, however, we have less control as it travels through your service line or household plumbing to the tap. Since 1992, MWRA has been working with cities and towns to collect lead and copper data in higher risk homes. Both summary level individual test results and historical data are located here.
Information about MWRA’s lead service line replacement funding program is located here. Your local community also has information about their service line inventory and efforts to replace any lead service lines. Contact them directly.
Protecting your family from lead and copper exposure is a priority. MWRA’s corrosion control treatment significantly reduces the risk of metals leaching from older plumbing. However, it is important to take steps to minimize potential exposure. More information about lead risks, steps you can take to reduce exposure, and common questions can be found here.
MWRA and MassDEP have been conducting a joint free program to test water in schools and childcare facilities. Since 2016, MWRA’s laboratories have conducted over 47,000 tests from 737 schools and childcare facilities in 49 communities. You can access all the data on the Massachusetts Environmental Data Portal here or contact your local school department.
More information on lead, finding a certified laboratory, or sampling instructions can be found here. Contact your local water department for more information about lead testing in your drinking water.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances [sometimes called “forever chemicals”] have been in the news a lot. Background information, and results of testing in the MWRA system and community systems is here.
MWRA samples water leaving both the Quabbin and Wachusett Reservoirs for Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Details on sampling, interpretation of the results, and an archive of the data is found here.
A cross connection occurs when the drinking water system in your home or business connects to potential contamination sources. MassDEP recommends installing backflow prevention devices on all hose connections. More information on cross connections and backflow is here
The Metropolitan Water Tunnel Program is a major infrastructure project constructing two new tunnels to provide redundancy for Boston’s aging 1950s-era water system. These new tunnels will allow the existing tunnels to be inspected and rehabilitated without shutting off water to the region. Learn more about our Metro Tunnels here.
Water levels in the Quabbin and Wachusett reservoirs are monitored daily to ensure a reliable water supply for over 2.5 million people, even during periods of extended drought. Learn more about our reservoirs and how MWRA prepares for drought here.
In partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the MWRA protects the quality of its water supply by controlling the land surrounding our watersheds through regulatory efforts and careful management. “Visit” each of the watersheds here to learn more about how we do it.
SWAP is a planning tool developed by the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to support local and state efforts to improve water supply protection. These reports ensure compliance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and help us see if our reservoirs are at risk for pollution. Learn more about how MWRA uses the report to maintain high-quality source water here.
In addition to our annual test results, MWRA also provides a monthly water quality report. These tests are conducted on both the water sampled from the source, and after treatment from MWRA or community lines. Find more details on monthly test results and indicators of water quality here.
For more information about your water system, see your community letter in the Annual Water Quality Report, or reach out to them directly—you can find their contact here.