B
80

Good Water Quality

East Falmouth, MA 02536

Barnstable County · Population served: 153,801 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
FALMOUTH WATER DEPT
Surface water · Pop. 97,551
PWSID: MA4096000
🌊
UPPER CAPE REGIONAL WATER COOPERATIVE
Groundwater · Pop. 56,250
PWSID: MA4261024

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
21.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Exceeded

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in East Falmouth

Tap water quality in East Falmouth, Massachusetts (02536) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 80 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Massachusetts state average of 81. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 153,801 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. The area has a clean violation record over the past 5 years — a positive indicator of consistent water quality management.

Your Score 80/100 B
vs State 1 pts below Massachusetts avg (81)
vs National 5 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 80/100 means the water in East Falmouth, MA is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

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Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in East Falmouth, Massachusetts receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 80/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.

ZIP code 02536 is served by 2 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 153,801 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Yes — lead levels in East Falmouth, Massachusetts are 21.0 ppb, which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. We strongly recommend using a certified lead-removal filter for all drinking and cooking water, and having your water independently tested.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving East Falmouth, Massachusetts during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving East Falmouth, Massachusetts have zero violations in the last 5 years. This is a positive indicator of consistent regulatory compliance and water quality management.

Based on detected contaminants (lead), residents in East Falmouth, Massachusetts should consider: NSF/ANSI 53 certified filter — specifically rated for lead reduction. Pitcher filters (like Brita Longlast or PUR) and under-sink systems both work. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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