Tap Water Results

Is Salem, MA tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Salem Water Department. 2 PFAS were detected below the limits.

2 public water systems serve parts of Salem. The largest, Salem Water Department, serves 44,480 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Salem Water Department

44,480 people · Purchased surface water · EPA ID MA3258000

Buys treated water from Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board.

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 3 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2008, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) No results since 2008
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Across Massachusetts, 75 of 261 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 8 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. Massachusetts results.

Salem homes and lead pipes

76%
of homes built before 1980 (Massachusetts 67%, US 50%)
55%
built before 1950 (Massachusetts 36%)
50%
of households rent (Massachusetts 38%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Salem city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Salem

  • Pequot Highlands Water System
    900 people · Purchased surface water · Massachusetts · lists this city
    Total trihalomethanes (TTHM) violation

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Lynn 4 mi
Lynn Water and Sewer Commission
Lynn Water and Sewer CommissionNone above limits2.4 ppb
Peabody 4 mi
Peabody Water Dept.
Peabody Water Dept.Above limit4.18 ppb
Beverly 5 mi
Salem and Beverly Water Supply Board
Salem and Beverly Water Supply BoardNot tested1.7 ppb
Revere 7 mi
Revere Water Division (MWRA)
Revere Water Division (MWRA)None above limits8.05 ppb
Melrose 9 mi
Melrose Water Division (MWRA)
Melrose Water Division (MWRA)None above limits10.2 ppb
Malden 9 mi
Malden Water Division (MWRA)
Malden Water Division (MWRA)None above limits9.74 ppb
Salem ZIP codes (1)
  • 01970

Questions

Is Salem tap water safe to drink?

Salem Water Department has had no health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Salem, MA?

2 public water systems serve parts of Salem. The largest is Salem Water Department (44,480 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Salem tap water have PFAS?

Salem Water Department had 2 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Salem homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 76% of Salem homes as built before 1980 (Massachusetts: 67%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Salem Water Department's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.