Water Quality in Fall River, MA: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 62/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Fall River'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
Water systems in Fall River, MA have accumulated 5 EPA violations across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality Map: Fall River, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fall River
Water quality varies across Fall River's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02722 | C | 58 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 02723 | C | 58 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 02720 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 02721 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 02724 | C | 64 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Fall River, 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 Fall River have accumulated 5 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 94,000 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fall River'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 Fall River water systems is 0.0120 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Fall River 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
Fall River is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Fall River
Fall River is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 94,000 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fall River. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fall River
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fall River. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-08-12 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-11-08 | State Filed Suit |
| 2022-03-25 | State Filed Suit |
| 2021-11-17 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-08-12.
Fall River vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Fall River's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall River | C | 5 | 1 | 94,000 |
| Barnstable | B | 1 | 5 | 95,560 |
| East Falmouth | D | 0 | 1 | 97,551 |
| West Falmouth | D | 0 | 1 | 97,551 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fall River
Water quality varies across Fall River's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02722 | 58 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 02723 | 58 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 02720 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 02721 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
| 02724 | 64 | C | 1 | 0 |
Common Questions About Fall River Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fall River, Massachusetts:
Is Fall River water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fall River's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fall River tap water? Fall River's water receives a grade of C (62/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Fall River? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fall River vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Fall River 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 Fall River.
ZIP Codes in Fall River
Fall River spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02720. 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.