Water Quality in New Bedford, MA: No Violations — Grade B
Grade B · Score 81/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
New Bedford's water is mostly safe. Minor violations exist but are primarily monitoring-related.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Check EPA compliance data for New Bedford, MA and you find zero violations across 2 water systems — no MCL exceedances, no monitoring schedule failures, no public health notices, no enforcement orders, and no outstanding compliance actions of any kind documented in the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality Map: New Bedford, MA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Bedford
Water quality varies across New Bedford's 6 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02740 | B | 78 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 02744 | B | 78 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 02741 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 02742 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 02745 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 02746 | B | 83 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New Bedford, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of B with an overall score of 81 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 2 water systems serving New Bedford. 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 B Means
A grade of B indicates good compliance with EPA drinking water standards. While not perfect, New Bedford's water systems meet the vast majority of federal requirements. Minor violations may exist but typically relate to monitoring or reporting rather than health-based standards.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across New Bedford water systems is 0.0041 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 89% of homes built before 1986, New Bedford 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
New Bedford is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving New Bedford
New Bedford is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 101,146 people across 6 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 New Bedford. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Bedford
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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Bedford. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2021-07-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-05-14 | State Filed Suit |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2021-07-29.
New Bedford vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How New Bedford's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford | B | 0 | 2 | 101,146 |
| North Dartmouth | C | 0 | 1 | 101,079 |
| South Dartmouth | D | 0 | 1 | 101,079 |
| Lynn | C | 0 | 1 | 101,253 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Bedford
Water quality varies across New Bedford's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02740 | 78 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 02744 | 78 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 02741 | 83 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 02742 | 83 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 02745 | 83 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 02746 | 83 | B | 0 | 0 |
Common Questions About New Bedford Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Bedford, Massachusetts:
Is New Bedford water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Bedford's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Bedford tap water? New Bedford's water receives a grade of B (81/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for New Bedford? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Bedford vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how New Bedford 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 New Bedford.
ZIP Codes in New Bedford
New Bedford spans 6 ZIP codes. 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
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade B is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.