Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Lynn?
Yes, Lynn's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Lynn has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page or the city's water provider website.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Lynn's water utility, Lynn Water and Sewer Comm, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. This assessment is based on the Lynn Water and Sewer Comm water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Lynn Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Lynn tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Lynn's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Lynn Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Lynn Water and Sewer Comm for Lynn in Massachusetts. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
Is there Lead in Lynn Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Lynn water system, Lynn Water and Sewer Comm, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.0028 mg/L of lead in Lynn water. This is 18.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Lynn contained more lead.
While Lynn water testing may have found 0.0028 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Lynn Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Hanscom Air Force Base - near Lynn with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Lynn has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Lynn Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 390 PARKLAND AVE LYNN, MA, 01905 |
Existing customers can login to their Lynn Water and Sewer Comm account to pay their Lynn water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Lynn Water and Sewer Comm bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Lynn water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Lynn water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Lynn means you will often need to put the water in your name with Lynn Water and Sewer Comm. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Lynn means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Lynn Water and Sewer Comm. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Lynn, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Lynn Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Lynn's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
LYNN
WATER & SEWER
COMMISSION
Lynn Water & Sewer Commission
400 Parkland Ave.
Lynn, MA 01905
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
LYNN, MA
PERMIT NO. 612
How can I get Involved ?
Information about Lynn Water & Sewer Commission is available on the internet at www.lynnwatersewer.org. Commission Water Superintendent Richard Dawe may be reached by phone at (781)
Notices of Commission Board meetings are posted at its main office, 400 Parkland Avenue, Lynn, MA 01905
The Lynn Water & Sewer Commission is a member of the New England Water Works Association (www.newwa.org) and the Massachusetts Water Works Association (www.masswaterworks.org). Additional information is available at both websites.
IMPORTANT ~ IMPORTANTE
Este informe contiene informacion muy importante sobre la calidad de su agua beber. Traduscalo o hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable.
This is a
laws. It contains important information about the quality of your drinking water.
Information about Cross Connection Control
What is cross connection? A cross connection occurs whenever a potable (safe to drink) water line is directly or indirectly connected to a
Why should I be concerned about cross connections? An unprotected cross connection on your premise could contaminate the drinking water not only in your home, but in neighboring businesses and homes . Severe Illnesses - even death - have been caused by cross contamination events that could have been prevented.
Where can I go for more information? Please contact the DEP, Division of Water Supply at
How is Your Water Treated?
The Lynn Water & Sewer Commission operates a direct filtration water treatment plant to purify your water. Raw Water from the reservoir system is treated using chemicals and filtration to remove small particles and organisms that may cause water to take on unpleasant odors and tastes and sometimes make it unhealthy to drink. This process consists of several steps as outlined below:
• Chemical additives: The process begins with alum being added to the water at specific dosages. This prompts small particles to stick together and settle for removal.
• Filtration: The chemically treated water then flows through a filter bed. The filters are comprised of several layers of materials including activated carbon, sand and course gravel which trap the particles, thus removing them from the water. In order to assure effective treatment, each filter is cleaned using a
• Disinfection: Chlorine dioxide and chlorine are added to the water at several stages of the treatment process to inactivate or kill
• Final Steps: Several chemicals are added to the water to protect your health. Fluoride is added to the
water to prevent the formation of cavities and tooth decay. Zinc orthophosphate and caustic soda are added to the water for corrosion control.
Information about Lynn’s Source Water Assessment Program
Where does Lynn’s water come from?
Lynn operates six public surface water supply sources. The reservoirs are located in four separate water supply protection areas, with Breeds Pond being entirely in Lynn; Hawkes Pond in Lynnfield and Saugus; Birch Pond in Lynn and Saugus; and Walden Pond in Lynn, Lynnfield, and Saugus. The intake and pump station for the Ipswich River and the intake and canal for the Saugus River are both in Lynnfield. The water is treated at the Raymond F. Reardon Treatment Plant and then pumped to the low service reservoir, the distribution system and distribution storage tanks. Lynn also uses Massachusetts Water Resources Authority surface water to serve General Electric Company and as an emergency source for customers.
How are these sources protected?
The Department of Environmental Protection has prepared a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) report for the water sources serving Lynn’s water system. The SWAP report notes key issues of activities in Zone A and Emergency Planning Zone; chemical and hazardous materials manufacture, storage and use; residential land uses; transportation corridors; roads and maintenance depots; golf course; oil or hazardous material contamination sites and comprehensive surface water protection planning.
What can be done to improve protection?
The SWAP report recommends protecting Zone A by removing all activities as to comply with DEP’s Zone A Requirements, use Best Management Practices for storage, use and dispose of hazardous materials, storage of pesticides,
fertilizers or road salt within Zone A should be covered and contained; keep new prohibited activities out of Zone A, and identify storm water drains and the drainage system along transportation corridors. Lynn plans to address the protection recommendations by implementing strategies in the Surface Water Supply Protection Plan and
by coordinating its efforts through Lynn’s Watershed Protection Team. Residents can help protect Lynn’s sources by reporting any dumping within Lynn’s watershed, properly disposing of pet wastes; practicing good septic
systems maintenance; supporting local water supply protection initiatives; properly disposing of hazardous household chemicals, and limiting pesticides and fertilizer use.
Where can I see the SWAP Report?
The complete SWAP report is available at the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission offices and online at www.state.ma.us/dep/drp/dws. For more information call Richard Dawe at
Water Quality Results
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MRDL or |
MRDLG or |
|
|
|
|
|
Major sources in |
|
|
Contaminant |
Unit |
MCL |
MCLG |
Detected |
Range |
|
Drinking water |
|
|||
Microbiological Contaminants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Turbidity |
NTU |
TT=1 |
0 |
0.19 |
|
0.06 to 0.27 |
Soil runoff |
|
|||
Turbidity |
NTU |
(1) |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Soil runoff |
|
|||
Inorganic Contaminants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lead |
|
ppb |
AL=15 |
0 |
3 |
(3)(10) |
0 to 6 (4) |
|
Corrosion of household plumbing: erosion of natural deposits. |
||
Copper |
|
ppm |
AL=1.3 |
0 |
0.1 |
(3)(10) |
0.01 to 0.2 (5) |
Corrosion of household plumbing: erosion of natural deposits. |
|||
Barium |
|
ppm |
2.0 |
2.0 |
0.01 |
|
N/A |
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
Fluoride |
ppm |
2.0(6) |
N/A |
0.9 |
|
0.4 to 0.9 |
|
Water additives which promote strong teeth |
|||
Sodium |
ppm |
20 (12) |
N/A |
73 |
|
N/A |
|
Salting of Roadways |
|
||
Nitrate |
|
ppm |
10 |
10 |
0.2 |
|
N/A |
|
Runoff from fertilizer : leaching from septic tanks |
||
Nickel |
|
ppb |
100(12) |
0 |
2 |
|
N/A |
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
Volatile Organic Contaminants |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
TTHMs |
(Total Trihalomethanes) |
ppb |
80 |
0 |
45 (7) |
24 to 62 |
(8) |
||||
HAA5 |
(Haloacetic Acids) |
ppb |
60 |
0 |
21 (7) |
7 to 31 |
(8) |
||||
Chlorite |
ppm |
1 |
0.8 |
0.4 |
|
0 to 0.4 |
|
||||
Chlorine |
ppm |
4 |
4 |
1.3 |
|
0 to 1.3 |
|
Water additive to control microbes |
|
||
Chlorine Dioxide |
ppb |
800 |
800 |
340 |
|
0 to 340 |
|
Water additive to control microbes |
|
||
Radionuclides |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
pCi/l |
5 (9) |
0 |
- 0.44 +/- 0.56 (11) |
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|||||
pCi/l |
5 (9) |
0 |
0.56 +/- 0.34 |
(11) |
|
N/A |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|||
Combined Radium |
pCi/l |
5 (9) |
0 |
0.12 |
(11) |
|
|
N/A |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
NO VIOLATIONS OCCURRED DURING THE TESTING OF THEABOVE CONTAMINANTS |
|
||||||||
Notes: |
|
(1) TT = less than or equal to 0.3 NTU in 95% of all monthly samples taken. |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
(2) Percent in 5% of all monthly samples taken. |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
(3) Sampled in 2020. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4) Zero of the 30 samples taken exceeded the AL for lead. |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
(5) Zero of the 30 samples taken exceeded the AL for copper. |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
(6) EPA’s MCL for fluoride is 4 ppm. However, MADEP has set a lower MCL to better protect human health. |
|
||||||||
|
|
(7) Highest annual running average of all samples taken. |
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
(8) Range of all individual sampling results. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
(9) MCL is for combined levels of |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
(10) 90% percentile. Out of every 10 homes, 9 were at or below this level. |
|
|
|
||||||
|
|
(11) Sampled during 2020. The MADEP has reduced monitoring requirements for these parameters to less often than once per year |
|||||||||
|
|
because the source is not likely to be at risk of contamination. |
|
|
|
|
|||||
|
|
(12) No MCL, however, MADEP has established an Office of Research and Standards Guideline Limit (ORSGL) for this contaminant. |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring (a) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Sulfate |
|
ppm |
N/A |
250 |
21 |
|
N/A |
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
PFAS (b) (d) |
ppt |
20 (c) |
0 |
11.4 |
|
7.8 to 11.4 |
|
Manmade Compounds |
|
||
Hardness (CaC03) |
ppm(e) |
N/A |
N/A |
63 |
|
N/A |
|
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
||
(a) Unregulated contaminants are those for which there are no established drinking water standards. The purpose of unregulated contaminant monitoring |
|||||||||||
|
is to assist regulatory agencies in determining their occurrence in drinking water and whether future regulation is required. |
Acid (PFOS), |
|||||||||
(b) The sum of six Per- and Polyfluoralkyl Substances or PFAS compounds that includes Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), Perfluorooctanesulfonic |
|||||||||||
|
Perfluorononanoic Acid (PFNA), Perfluorohexanesulfonic Acid (PFHxS), Perfluoroheptanoic Acid (PFHpA), and Perfluordecanoic Acid (PFDA). |
|
|||||||||
(c) MADEP has established an Office of Research and Standards Guidline Limit (ORSGL) 20 ppt in 2020 and a MCL of 20 ppt in 2021 for hese contaminants.
(d) Includes results that were below the Minimum Reporting Level.
(e) 1 grain = 17.1 ppm.
The data presented in this report is based on tests that were conducted during 2020 except where noted. Although the Commission performs numerous tests during the year, only the regulated contaminants that were detected are listed above. If you are interested in a more detailed report, please contact Water Superintendent Richard Dawe at (781)
Key to reading the Table: MADEP = Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection; mrem/year = millirems per year (measure of radiation absorbed by the
body). N/A = Not Applicable: NTU=Nephelometric Turbidity Units; Oocysts/1= Occysts per liter: pCi/l = picocuries per liter(measure or radioactivity); ppb = parts per billion; ppm = parts per million; ppt = parts per trillion TT=treatment technique. Action Level(AL) the concentration of a contaminant Which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements that a water system must follow. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): the level of Residual contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. Maximum Residential Disinfectant Level (MRDL): the highest level of disinfectant (Chlorine, Chloramines, Chlorine Dioxide) allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that the addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) the level of drinking water disinfectant (Chlorine, Chloramines, Chlorine Dioxide) below which there is no expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Treatment Technique (TT): A required process to reduce the level of acontaminant in drinking water. Turbidity: A measure of the cloudiness of water, monitored as a good indicator of the effectiveness of the filtration system.
LYNN
WATER & SEWER
COMMISSION
ANNUAL WATER QUALITY REPORT - 2020
Lynn Water & Sewer Commission
Public Water Supply ID # MA 3163000
The Quality of Your Drinking Water
The Lynn Water & Sewer Commission is pleased to send you this Annual Report on the quality of Lynn’s drinking water.
This report contains results of your drinking water tested during 2020 and other important information about your drinking water. The Commission has an extensive water testing and monitoring program which is explained in this report. Test results show that Lynn’s drinking water is in full compliance with all the standards established by the Federal and State agencies that regulate public water supplies. The Commission has great confidence in the water that is delivered to the residents of Lynn. Please take the time to read this important report and contact us if you have any questions or comments about the report or your water quality.
Important Information from the EPA and DEP
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) prescribe limits on the amounts of certain contaminants in the water provided by public water systems. Federal Drug Administration and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking Water and People with Weakened Immune Systems
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
Why are There Contaminants in my Drinking Water ?
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contamination. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewerage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife;
• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater, oil and gas production, mining or farming;
• Pesticides and Herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, stormwater runoff and residential uses;
• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organics which are
• Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
How is My Water Tested?
Water quality testing by the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission is conducted daily at the Raymond F. Reardon Water Treatment Plant and weekly at more than 20 different sites in the distribution system. Quality testing is done internally and by an independent state certified laboratory.
Important Information about Lead In the Water
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Lynn Water & Sewer Commission is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
http:// www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.
Contaminants
Lynn Water and Sewer Commission (MWRA)
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 90329
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 22
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chlorite
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Aluminum
- Barium
- Bromoform
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Dibromoacetic acid
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Manganese
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Perchlorate
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.