Is Wellfleet, 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 ↓
69.8/100
waterverge.com Wellfleet, MA — Water Quality Report
Wellfleet's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,283 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 192 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wellfleet's water
Wellfleet ranks #231 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Wellfleet 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, Wellfleet may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wellfleet, MA water safe to drink?
Wellfleet's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,283 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wellfleet
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wellfleet's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Wellfleet'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
Wellfleet's water system has 192 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barnstable 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 Herring River.
Where does Wellfleet's water come from?
Wellfleet's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,283 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Herring River (river).
What Wellfleet residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wellfleet'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.
Wellfleet'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 droughtBarnstable 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
Barnstable 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 Wellfleet'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 2.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wellfleet compares by contaminant
Explore where Wellfleet ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wellfleet's water comes from
Wellfleet'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 1,283 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Wellfleet
Wellfleet is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wellfleet
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WELLFLEET MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM | MA4318094 | 750 | GW |
| PLEASANT WATER | MA4318091 | 200 | GW |
| HARBORSIDE VILLAGE | MA4318040 | 165 | GW |
| MASSASOIT HILLS TRAILER PARK | MA4318056 | 120 | GW |
| WELLFLEET APARTMENTS | MA4318107 | 48 | GW |
How Wellfleet compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Wellfleet's score of 69.8/100 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 Wellfleet, MA
Wikipedia →Wellfleet is a town on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. The town had a population of 3,566 at the 2020 United States census, which swells nearly sixfold during the summer. A total of 70% of the town's land area is under protection, and nearly half of it is part of the Cape Cod National Seashore. Wellfleet is famous for its oysters, which are celebrated in the annual October Wellfleet OysterFest.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wellfleet's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barnstable
Frequently asked questions
Is Wellfleet, MA tap water safe to drink?
Wellfleet's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #231 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Wellfleet's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 192 violations are on record.
How is Wellfleet'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 Wellfleet?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wellfleet's water come from?
Wellfleet's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,283 residents.
What health violations has Wellfleet's water system had?
Wellfleet has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wellfleet's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wellfleet 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 192 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 Wellfleet's water compare to other cities?
Wellfleet ranks #231 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 18% of state cities) and #10859 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.