Water Quality in Billerica, MA: 6 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 47/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Billerica's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Billerica, MA has 6 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Billerica
Water quality varies across Billerica's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01821 | D | 43 | 3 | 3 | View report → |
| 01822 | D | 51 | 3 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Billerica.
Water Quality Overview
Billerica, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 47 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Billerica have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 6 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 42,119 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Billerica'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 Billerica water systems is 0.0024 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 71% of homes built before 1986, Billerica 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
Billerica 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 Billerica
Billerica is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 42,119 people across 2 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 12 enforcement actions against water systems serving Billerica. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Billerica
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Billerica:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2022 to 4 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Billerica. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-08-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-07-28 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-05-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-04-21 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-01-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-13 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-08-25.
Billerica vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Billerica's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billerica | D | 6 | 1 | 42,119 |
| North Billerica | D | 0 | 1 | 42,119 |
| Nutting Lake | D | 0 | 1 | 42,119 |
| Pinehurst | D | 0 | 1 | 42,119 |
Common Questions About Billerica Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Billerica, Massachusetts:
Is Billerica water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Billerica's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Billerica tap water? Billerica's water receives a grade of D (47/100). There are 6 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Billerica? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Billerica vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Billerica 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 Billerica.
ZIP Codes in Billerica
Billerica spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 01821. 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.