Water Quality in Somerset, MA: 12 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 40/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Somerset's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Somerset in MA has 12 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Somerset
Water quality varies across Somerset's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02726 | F | 37 | 6 | 6 | View report → |
| 02725 | D | 42 | 6 | 6 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Somerset.
Water Quality Overview
Somerset, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Somerset have accumulated 12 EPA violations, including 12 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 18,303 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Somerset'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 Somerset water systems is 0.0100 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 78% of homes built before 1986, Somerset 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
Somerset is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Somerset
Somerset is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 18,303 people across 2 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 2 enforcement actions against water systems serving Somerset. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Somerset
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 Somerset Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Somerset's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 12 | 2 | 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 Somerset:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 6 | 6 |
Violations have increased from 4 in 2021 to 6 in 2023. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Somerset. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-04 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-04.
Somerset vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How Somerset's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Somerset | D | 12 | 1 | 18,303 |
| Bryantville | D | 0 | 1 | 18,251 |
| Pembroke | B | 0 | 1 | 18,251 |
| Holden | B | 0 | 1 | 17,951 |
Common Questions About Somerset Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Somerset, Massachusetts:
Is Somerset water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Somerset's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Somerset tap water? Somerset's water receives a grade of D (40/100). There are 12 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Somerset? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Somerset vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how Somerset 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 Somerset.
ZIP Codes in Somerset
Somerset spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 02725. 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.