WATER QUALITY MA

Water Quality in Charlestown, MA: No Violations — Grade C

Grade C · Score 65/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Charlestown's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Federal compliance data for Charlestown, MA: no violations across 1 monitored system.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Charlestown

Water quality varies across Charlestown's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
02129	C	65	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Charlestown, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Charlestown. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.

What Grade C Means

A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Charlestown's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.

Lead Levels

Lead testing data for Charlestown is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.

With 79% of homes built before 1986, Charlestown 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.

Water Systems Serving Charlestown

Charlestown is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,660,000 people across 1 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

How to Check Your Water in Charlestown

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

Charlestown vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities

How Charlestown's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:

City	Grade	Systems	Population
Charlestown	C	1	2,660,000
Brookline Village	C	1	2,660,000
Dorchester	C	1	2,660,000
Jamaica Plain	C	1	2,660,000

Common Questions About Charlestown Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Charlestown, Massachusetts:

Is Charlestown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Charlestown's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Charlestown tap water? Charlestown's water receives a grade of C (65/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for Charlestown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Charlestown vs. Massachusetts Average

Understanding how Charlestown 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 Charlestown.

ZIP Codes in Charlestown

Charlestown spans 1 ZIP code. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Charlestown tap water safe to drink?

Charlestown's water receives a grade of C (65/100). Some areas have recorded violations — residents in affected ZIP codes may want to consider water testing.

What contaminants are found in Charlestown water?

Charlestown water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does Charlestown have?

Charlestown has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 1 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve Charlestown?

Charlestown is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 1 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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