MORE INFORMATION > This year's report (published June 2008 > Archive of all annual water quality reports > All MWRA quality tests

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority has begun mailing its Annual Water Quality Report to every household in its service area. The report is required by the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and updates consumers on last year’s water quality test results.

MWRA and the local water departments test thousands of samples each week and, of the 120 possible contaminants tested for, MWRA met every standard.

This year’s report highlights the environmental benefits and the low cost of tap water compared to bottled water.

“Sure, bottled water is convenient when you’re on the go and is a healthy alternative to soft drinks,” said MWRA executive director Fred Laskey. “But in dozens of taste and quality tests here and across the country, the only area where bottled water and tap water differ significantly is cost. At less than penny a gallon, tap water is the cleanest, safest and most cost effective alternative.”

In the latest round of testing, the MWRA system was again below the Lead Action Level with the lowest levels ever. Recent tests have also shown that there are no traces of pharmaceuticals in the drinking water supplied by MWRA.

MWRA distributes the report to over 800,000 homes in 40 cities and towns. Community-specific inserts also provide information about municipal water systems. The reports are being mailed between now and June 27, 2008. Look for it in your mailbox.

The report is also available on-line at <http://www.mwra.com/annual/waterreport/2007results/2007results.htm>. A large-print version is available upon request and a Spanish version will also be available soon.

# # #

Back to top

Updated June 10, 2008