Is Carver, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.3/100
waterverge.com Carver, MA — Water Quality Report
Carver's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,399 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 209 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Carver's water
Carver ranks #257 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Carver 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, Carver may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Carver, MA water safe to drink?
Carver's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 2,399 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Carver
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carver's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4097). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Carver's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Carver's water system has 209 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Plymouth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Jones River, Eel River, Weweantic River.
Where does Carver's water come from?
Carver's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 2,399 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jones River (stream), Eel River (stream), Weweantic River (river).
What Carver residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Carver'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.
Carver'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 droughtPlymouth 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
Plymouth County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Carver'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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Carver compares by contaminant
Explore where Carver ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Carver's water comes from
Carver'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 2,399 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Carver
Carver is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Carver
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH MEADOW VILLAGE | MA4052001 | 750 | GW |
| CRANBERRY VILLAGE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION | MA4052026 | 414 | GW |
| PINETREE VILLAGE | MA4052025 | 348 | GW |
| NORTH CARVER WATER DISTRICT | MA4052072 | 300 | GW |
| TOWNHOUSES @ COPPER LANTERN | MA4052070 | 176 | GW |
| MEADOW WOODS ESTATE HOMEOWNERS ASSN, INC | MA4052054 | 120 | GW |
| WATERVIEW PARK LLC | MA4052044 | 102 | GW |
| CARVER MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS | MA4052061 | 100 | GW |
| PINE RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS AT SAMPSONS POND | MA4052074 | 89 | GW |
How Carver compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Carver's score of 59.3/100 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 →About Carver, MA
Wikipedia →Carver is a town in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 11,645 at the 2020 census. It is named for John Carver, the first governor of the Plymouth Colony. The town features two popular tourist attractions: Edaville USA theme park and King Richard's Faire, the largest and longest-running renaissance fair in New England.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Carver's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Plymouth
Frequently asked questions
Is Carver, MA tap water safe to drink?
Carver's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #257 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Carver's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 209 violations are on record.
How is Carver'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 Carver?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Carver's water come from?
Carver's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 2,399 residents.
What health violations has Carver's water system had?
Carver has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Carver's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Carver 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 209 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 Carver's water compare to other cities?
Carver ranks #257 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 8% of state cities) and #12192 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.