Cambridge Water Department
Cambridge, Massachusetts · PWSID: MA3049000
Cambridge Water Quality Summary
Cambridge Water Department supplies drinking water to about 118,214 people in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and draws from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), which requires fuller treatment for runoff, sediment, and microbial risk. On the IsWaterSafe scale it earns an excellent Water Safety Score of 91 out of 100 (Grade A), a composite of its EPA SDWIS violation and contaminant record.
EPA SDWIS shows no health-based or monitoring violations on record for Cambridge Water Department, though 3 enforcement actions are logged in its history.
Across the 3 substances sampled, none exceeded its EPA limit. Total Coliform (TCR) sits highest relative to its ceiling, detected at 2.5 % positive against an MCL of 5 % positive (sampled July 2017) — within the legal limit.
The most pressing open issue is a health-based violation, beginning April 2019 and still open in EPA records.
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Detected Contaminants
| Contaminant | Detected Level | MCL (Limit) | Status | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform (TCR) | 2.5 % positive | 5 % positive | Within Limit | Jul 1, 2017 |
| Atrazine | 1.5 ppb | 3 ppb | Within Limit | Apr 1, 2019 |
| Benzene | 2.5 ppb | 5 ppb | Within Limit | Apr 1, 2019 |
Violation History
Frequently Asked Questions
Cambridge Water Department has a Water Safety Score of A (91/100). The system serves 118,214 people and has 0 health violations on record. Check the contaminant table above for specific detected substances.
Cambridge Water Department has 0 contaminant exceedances above EPA health guidelines. See the full contaminant detection table above for all tested substances and their levels relative to legal limits and health guidelines.
The Water Safety Score (0-100, grades A through F) is based on contaminant levels relative to legal limits, health guideline exceedances, violation history, and enforcement actions. Higher scores indicate fewer concerns.
If your water system has violations, request the Consumer Confidence Report from your utility, consider getting an independent water test from a certified lab, and look into certified water filters for specific contaminants of concern. For lead, run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking.
Water quality data sourced from EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Safety scores are calculated based on contaminant levels, violations, and enforcement history. This is not a substitute for your utility's official Consumer Confidence Report.
Source: EPA Ground Water and Drinking Water, 2026.