Copper in Worcester, MA Drinking Water
Copper data for Worcester, Massachusetts · 206,887 residents · 16 ZIP codes
Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Worcester, Massachusetts, that tracking has turned up Copper — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Copper in Worcester Tap Water
Copper has been detected in Worcester, Massachusetts drinking water at a maximum level of 4180 ppb — 3.22x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 206,887 residents across 16 ZIP codes in Worcester.
Worcester's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).
Is Copper in Worcester Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.
Copper Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Copper Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01601 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01602 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01603 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01604 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01605 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01606 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01607 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01608 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01609 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01610 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01613 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01614 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01615 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01653 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01654 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 01655 | 4180 ppb | 1.3 mg/L (action level) | Exceeds limit |
Average copper level across Worcester: 4180 ppb
Health Effects of Copper
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
- Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
- Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
- Infants are more sensitive than adults
Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.
How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of copper household plumbing
- Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
- New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
- Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)
What to Do About Copper in Worcester Water
- Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
- If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
- Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.