Is Boxborough, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 50 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Boxborough, MA — Water Quality Report
Boxborough's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,357 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 972 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved.
What to know about Boxborough's water
Boxborough ranks #267 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Boxborough 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.
As a small community water system, Boxborough may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Boxborough, MA water safe to drink?
Boxborough's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,357 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Boxborough
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boxborough's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3350). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Boxborough's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Boxborough's water system has 972 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 50 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Assabet River, Nashoba Brook.
Where does Boxborough's water come from?
Boxborough's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 2,357 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Assabet River (river), Nashoba Brook (river).
What Boxborough residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boxborough'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.
Boxborough's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMiddlesex County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.
Flood & disaster history
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1992. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Boxborough compares by contaminant
Explore where Boxborough ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boxborough's water comes from
Boxborough'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 2,357 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Boxborough
Boxborough is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Boxborough
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| APPLEWOOD COMMUNITY CORPORATION | MA2037013 | 500 | GW |
| PADDOCK ESTATES | MA2037036 | 463 | GW |
| BROOK VILLAGE CONDOMINIUM | MA2037007 | 400 | GW |
| CODMAN HILL CONDOMINIUM | MA2037001 | 360 | GW |
| HARVARD RIDGE CONDOMINIUM | MA2037002 | 350 | GW |
| ENCLAVE AT BOXBOROUGH | MA2037038 | 100 | GW |
| LIBERTY HOUSE CONDOMINIUM | MA2037014 | 80 | GW |
| CARRIAGE HOUSE CONDOMINIUM | MA2037009 | 68 | GW |
| CENTRE VILLAGE APARTMENTS | MA2037006 | 36 | GW |
How Boxborough compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Boxborough's score of 50/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Boxborough, MA
Wikipedia →Boxborough is a town in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 5,506 at the 2020 census. The town name is often simplified to "Boxboro" on highway signs and official documents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boxborough's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Boxborough, MA tap water safe to drink?
Boxborough's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #267 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Boxborough's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 972 violations are on record.
How is Boxborough'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 Boxborough?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boxborough's water come from?
Boxborough's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 2,357 residents.
What health violations has Boxborough's water system had?
Boxborough has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 50 violations remain unresolved.
Is Boxborough's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Boxborough 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 972 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 Boxborough's water compare to other cities?
Boxborough ranks #267 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 5% of state cities) and #13112 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.