Is Warren, 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 ↓
68.1/100
waterverge.com Warren, MA — Water Quality Report
Warren's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,374 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Warren's water
Warren ranks #239 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Warren 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warren, MA water safe to drink?
Warren's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,374 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Warren
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warren's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Warren'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
Warren's water system has 369 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam, Quinebaug R Bl Westville Dam Nr Southbridge, Ware River, Swift River, Quaboag River.
Where does Warren's water come from?
Warren's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,374 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam (river), Quinebaug R Bl Westville Dam Nr Southbridge (river), Ware River (river), Swift River (river), Quaboag River (river).
What Warren residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warren'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.
Warren'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Warren
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Warren, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VIBRAM CORP NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA01535 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 6.3 mi |
TRELLEBORG COATED SYSTEMS US INC. MONSON, MA01057 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
PALMER FOUNDRY INC PALMER, MA01069 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
RATHBONE PRECISION METALS INC PALMER, MA01069 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
KANZAKI SPECIALTY PAPERS INC. WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Warren
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.
- PSC RESOURCES8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Warren'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. | 1.2 | 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. | 2.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Warren compares by contaminant
Explore where Warren ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warren's water comes from
Warren'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 3,374 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Warren
Warren is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Warren
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WARREN WATER DISTRICT | MA1311000 | 2,289 | GW |
| WEST WARREN WATER DISTRICT | MA1311001 | 927 | GW |
| HERITAGE ASSOCIATION | MA1311002 | 158 | GWP |
How Warren compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Warren's score of 68.1/100 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 Warren, MA
Wikipedia →Warren is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 4,975 at the 2020 census. The town contains the villages of Warren and West Warren.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warren's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is Warren, MA tap water safe to drink?
Warren's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #239 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Warren's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 369 violations are on record.
How is Warren'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 Warren?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Warren's water come from?
Warren's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,374 residents.
What health violations has Warren's water system had?
Warren has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Warren's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Warren 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 Warren's water compare to other cities?
Warren ranks #239 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 15% of state cities) and #11124 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.