Water Quality in Melrose, MA: 1 Violation — Grade D
Grade D · Score 43/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Melrose's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Melrose, MA shows 1 water violation on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Melrose
Water quality varies across Melrose's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02176 | D | 43 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Melrose, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 43 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Melrose have accumulated 1 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 29,357 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Melrose'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 Melrose water systems is 0.0102 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 88% of homes built before 1986, Melrose 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
Melrose 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 Melrose
Melrose is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 29,357 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 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Melrose. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Melrose
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 Melrose Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Melrose's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Melrose. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-12-19 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-12-19.
Melrose vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Melrose's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Melrose | D | 1 | 1 | 29,357 |
| Stoughton | B | 1 | 2 | 29,331 |
| Wareham | C | 4 | 3 | 29,190 |
| Wellesley Hills | D | 0 | 1 | 29,550 |
Common Questions About Melrose Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Melrose, Massachusetts:
Is Melrose water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Melrose's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Melrose tap water? Melrose's water receives a grade of D (43/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Melrose? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Melrose vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Melrose 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 Melrose.
ZIP Codes in Melrose
Melrose spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02176. 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.