Is Harvard, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Harvard, MA — Water Quality Report
Harvard's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,966 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 369 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harvard's water
Harvard ranks #271 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Harvard 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, Harvard may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harvard, MA water safe to drink?
Harvard's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,966 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harvard
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harvard's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harvard'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
Harvard's water system has 369 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 North Nashua River, Nashua River, Water Street Bridge,, Squannacook River, Assabet River.
Where does Harvard's water come from?
Harvard's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 1,966 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Nashua River (river), Nashua River, Water Street Bridge, (river), Squannacook River (river), Assabet River (river).
What Harvard residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harvard'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.
Harvard'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 droughtWorcester 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
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Harvard'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. | 4.3 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Harvard compares by contaminant
Explore where Harvard ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harvard's water comes from
Harvard'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,966 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Harvard
Harvard is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harvard
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARVARD WATER DEPARTMENT | MA2125000 | 1,422 | GW |
| HARVARD GREEN CONDOMINIUMS | MA2125014 | 150 | GW |
| AYER ROAD PROPERTIES LLC | MA2125021 | 150 | GW |
| TRAIL RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS | MA2125016 | 104 | GW |
| PINE HILL VILLAGE CONDOMINIUMS | MA2125025 | 60 | GW |
| CRAFTSMAN VILLAGE CONDOMINIUMS | MA2125026 | 40 | GW |
| FOXGLOVE APARTMENTS | MA2125013 | 40 | GW |
How Harvard compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Harvard's score of 44/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Harvard, MA
Wikipedia →Harvard is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The town is located 25 miles west-northwest of Boston, in eastern Massachusetts. It is mostly bounded by I-495 to the east and Route 2 to the north. A farming community settled in 1658 and incorporated in 1732, it has been home to several non-traditional communities, such as Harvard Shaker Village and the utopian transcendentalist center Fruitlands. It is also home to St. Benedict Abbey, a traditionalist Catholic monastery, and for over seventy years was home to Harvard University's Oak Ridge Observatory, at one time the most extensively equipped observatory in the Eastern United States. It is now a rural and residential town noted for its public schools. The population was 6,851 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harvard's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is Harvard, MA tap water safe to drink?
Harvard's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #271 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Harvard's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 369 violations are on record.
How is Harvard'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 Harvard?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harvard's water come from?
Harvard's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 1,966 residents.
What health violations has Harvard's water system had?
Harvard has 17 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harvard's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harvard 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 369 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 Harvard's water compare to other cities?
Harvard ranks #271 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 3% of state cities) and #14479 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.