Is Atkinson, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.4/100
waterverge.com Atkinson, MA — Water Quality Report
Atkinson's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 507 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 109 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Atkinson's water
Atkinson ranks #237 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Atkinson relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Atkinson may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Atkinson, MA water safe to drink?
Atkinson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 507 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Atkinson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Atkinson's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Atkinson's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Atkinson's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
Where does Atkinson's water come from?
Atkinson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 507 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Atkinson residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Atkinson's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRockingham County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Atkinson's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 16.0 ppb (2014)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Atkinson compares by contaminant
Explore where Atkinson ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Atkinson's water comes from
Atkinson's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 507 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Atkinson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WRIGHT FARM CONDOS | NH0112030 | 160 | GW |
| ATKINSON WOODS | NH0112100 | 140 | GW |
| COMMONS OF ATKINSON | NH0112060 | 95 | GW |
| WATER WHEEL ESTATES | NH0112070 | 85 | GW |
| DEARBORN RIDGE | NH0112090 | 27 | GW |
How Atkinson compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Atkinson's score of 68.4/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Atkinson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Atkinson, MA tap water safe to drink?
Atkinson's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #237 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Atkinson's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.
How is Atkinson's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Atkinson?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Atkinson's water come from?
Atkinson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 507 residents.
What health violations has Atkinson's water system had?
Atkinson has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Atkinson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Atkinson uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 109 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Atkinson's water compare to other cities?
Atkinson ranks #237 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 15% of state cities) and #11087 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.