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Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 01520 Water Quality & Testing Report

Holden, MA · Worcester County County · Updated for 2026

Sahajul HaqueCompiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS records
Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 01520 (Holden, MA)?

Yes, tap water in ZIP code 01520 (Holden, MA) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Holden Water Division, Dpw, the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (70/100) with 0 health violations, 3.1 ppb lead, and soft (53 mg/L / 3.1 GPG) water.

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

0

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 01520

Tap water in ZIP code 01520 (Holden, MA) is distributed by Holden Water Division, Dpw (EPA ID: MA2134000), serving approximately 17,951 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of B with a composite quality score of 70/100.

Water System

Holden Water Division, Dpw

EPA ID: MA2134000

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

17,951 residents

County

Worcester County County, Massachusetts

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Lead Levels in ZIP 01520

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.1 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 01520 is 3.1 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 01520 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 49% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.10 ppb (0.0031 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

49%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Soft3.1 GPG · 53 mg/L

Water in ZIP 01520 is classified as Soft (53 mg/L / 3.1 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.

Recommendation: No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

3.1 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

53 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Very Low

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Holden Water Division, Dpw · PWSID: MA2134000

Verify on EPA.gov
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Holden Water Division, Dpw has recorded zero violations in the EPA compliance database over the past 5 years.

Total Violations (5 yr)
0
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Low

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Low based on past reporting and enforcement records.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 01520 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

2.2%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 01520

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 01520 served by Holden Water Division, Dpw can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in MA for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 01520 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Holden Water Division, Dpw
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Recommended Taste & Safety Filter:

🚰

NSF/ANSI 53 Certified Pitcher Filter

Best for removing aesthetic chlorine, odors, and low-level heavy metals.

Filter Selection Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 01520 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 01520?+
Yes — tap water in 01520 (Holden, MA) meets EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 01520 (Holden, MA)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 01520, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in MA. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 01520?+
Tap water in 01520 is classified as Soft with an estimated mineral hardness of 53 mg/L (3.1 GPG). No water softener is needed. Standard carbon filtration is sufficient for taste and chlorine reduction.
Should I test private well water in 01520?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 01520 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 01520 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 01520 is 3.1 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 01520?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 01520. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 01520?+
Tap water in ZIP code 01520 is provided by Holden Water Division, Dpw (EPA ID: MA2134000), serving approximately 17,951 residents.
What water filter should I use in 01520?+
Based on water metrics for 01520, we recommend Lead & Microplastic Filter. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead Reduction), NSF/ANSI 42 (Particulate/Taste).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 01520 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Holden Water Division, Dpw. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →