Water Quality in Dartmouth, MA: 6 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Dartmouth'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 EPA data for Dartmouth, MA shows 6 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Dartmouth
Water quality varies across Dartmouth's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02714 | C | 62 | 6 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Dartmouth.
Water Quality Overview
Dartmouth, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 62 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Dartmouth have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 24,630 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Dartmouth'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across Dartmouth water systems is 0.0070 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
Radon Risk
Dartmouth is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Dartmouth
Dartmouth is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 24,630 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
The EPA has taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Dartmouth. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Dartmouth
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 Dartmouth Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Dartmouth's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 5 | 1 | 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 Dartmouth:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 3 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2021 to 1 in 2022, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Dartmouth. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-10-17 | State Filed Suit |
| 2023-10-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-12-15 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-09-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-10-17.
Dartmouth vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Dartmouth's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dartmouth | C | 6 | 1 | 24,630 |
| Raynham Center | D | 0 | 1 | 24,630 |
| East Walpole | C | 0 | 1 | 24,070 |
| Walpole | B | 0 | 1 | 24,070 |
Common Questions About Dartmouth Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Dartmouth, Massachusetts:
Is Dartmouth water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Dartmouth's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Dartmouth tap water? Dartmouth's water receives a grade of C (62/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Dartmouth? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Dartmouth vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth.
ZIP Codes in Dartmouth
Dartmouth spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02714. 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.