Is Lee, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
36.1/100
waterverge.com Lee, MA — Water Quality Report
Lee's drinking water received a grade of F (36.1 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 654 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 21.0 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 180 violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lee's water
Lee ranks #280 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lee 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, Lee 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 Lee, MA water safe to drink?
Lee's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (36.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 654 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lee
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lee's water quality assessment. Grade: F (36.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lee's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Lee's water system has 180 total violations on record, including 44 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Lee's water come from?
Lee's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 654 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Lee residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lee'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lee
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lee, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,128 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ONYX SPECIALTY PAPERS INC. - WILLOW MILL SOUTH LEE, MA01260 | Formaldehyde | 1,128 | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lee
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- GE HOUSATONIC RIVER10.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtStrafford 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 Lee'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. | 21.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lee compares by contaminant
Explore where Lee ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lee's water comes from
Lee'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 654 people through 10 water systems.
Water systems serving Lee
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE KNOLL VILLAGE | NH1333020 | 200 | GW |
| THURSTON WOODS | NH1332050 | 85 | GW |
| DARBY FIELD COMMONS | NH1332020 | 70 | GW |
| PACKERS FALLS VILLAGE | NH1333060 | 60 | GW |
| OYSTER RIVER CONDOS | NH1332010 | 53 | GW |
| HAVEN AT LEE | NH1334010 | 51 | GW |
| EVERGREEN TERRACE | NH1333030 | 45 | GW |
| HILL ACRES TRAILER PARK | NH1333010 | 35 | GW |
| CEDAR WOOD ESTATES | NH1332040 | 30 | GW |
| GREYSTONE COMMONS | NH1332030 | 25 | GW |
How Lee compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Lee's score of 36.1/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lee's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Strafford
Frequently asked questions
Is Lee, MA tap water safe to drink?
Lee's water quality earned a grade of F (36.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #280 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Lee's water?
Lead was measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile). 180 violations are on record.
How is Lee'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 Lee?
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 Lee's water come from?
Lee's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 654 residents.
What health violations has Lee's water system had?
Lee has 44 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. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lee's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lee 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 180 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 Lee's water compare to other cities?
Lee ranks #280 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 0% of state cities) and #15490 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.