ZIP Code 02115 Water Quality & Testing Report
Boston, MA · Suffolk County County · Updated for 2026
Compiled & verified by Sahajul Haque from official EPA SDWIS recordsIs Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 02115 (Boston, MA)?
Yes, tap water in ZIP code 02115 (Boston, MA) is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. Supplied by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra), the area earns an EPA Safety Grade of B (84/100) with 0 health violations, 5.9 ppb lead, and soft (48 mg/L / 2.8 GPG) water.
Water Safety Grade
Good — Minor issues on record
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
3
Lead Risk
Very High
Contaminants
0
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 2 unresolved violations and 1 boil water advisory. Contact Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 02115
Tap water in ZIP code 02115 (Boston, MA) is distributed by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) (EPA ID: MA3035000), serving approximately 675,647 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 84/100.
Water System
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra)
EPA ID: MA3035000
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
675,647 residents
County
Suffolk County County, Massachusetts
Lead Levels in ZIP 02115
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 5.9 ppb — Moderate
Lead exposure risk in 02115 is rated Very High. EPA models estimate a 73% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
From annual CCR filing
From annual CCR filing
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 02115 is classified as Soft (48 mg/L / 2.8 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) · PWSID: MA3035000
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) has recorded 3 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 2 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records. Additionally, 1 boil water advisory/advisories were active during this period.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High 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 02115 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
From Consumer Confidence Report:
Monochloramine (3.85 ppm)
⚖ Enforcement Actions
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.
Lower potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 3 — lower radon potential, though the EPA still recommends testing all homes.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 02115
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 02115 served by Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra) 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.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 02115 Recommendations
Your water quality is good
- ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
- ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra)
- ✓ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 02115 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 02115?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 02115 (Boston, MA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 02115?+
Should I test private well water in 02115?+
What is the lead level in 02115 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 02115?+
Who provides tap water to 02115?+
What water filter should I use in 02115?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 02115 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 Boston Water and Sewer Commission (mwra). 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 →