Water Quality in Andover, MA: 25 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Andover's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for Andover, MA documents 25 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality Map: Andover, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Andover
Water quality varies across Andover's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01810 | D | 47 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
| 01812 | C | 56 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
| 01899 | C | 56 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
| 05501 | C | 56 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
| 05544 | C | 56 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Andover.
Water Quality Overview
Andover, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Andover have accumulated 25 EPA violations, including 10 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 36,569 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Andover's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Andover water systems is 0.0043 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 70% of homes built before 1986, Andover has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Andover is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Andover
Andover is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 36,569 people across 5 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Andover. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Andover
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Andover Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Andover's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Andover:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 5 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 | 5 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Andover. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-21 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-04-20 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-02-21.
Andover vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Andover's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andover | D | 25 | 1 | 36,569 |
| Brewster | C | 3 | 2 | 36,330 |
| Natick | C | 1 | 1 | 37,006 |
| Mashpee | B | 3 | 3 | 37,256 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Andover
Water quality varies across Andover's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01810 | 47 | D | 5 | 2 |
| 01812 | 56 | C | 5 | 2 |
| 01899 | 56 | C | 5 | 2 |
| 05501 | 56 | C | 5 | 2 |
| 05544 | 56 | C | 5 | 2 |
Common Questions About Andover Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Andover, Massachusetts:
Is Andover water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Andover's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Andover tap water? Andover's water receives a grade of D (54/100). There are 10 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Andover? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Andover vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Andover compares to the broader Massachusetts average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Andover.
ZIP Codes in Andover
Andover spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 01810. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.