Safe, Clean Water

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Person holding a vial of water against a freshwater pH colorchart to test the water.

" It’s like we’re manufacturing a product, and in Cambridge, we want it to taste good. — Julie Greenwood-Torelli, Director of Water Operations "

When you turn on your faucet in Cambridge, you’re receiving water that meets some of the highest quality standards in the country. Ensuring that water is clean, safe, and tastes good is no small tas —it requires daily dedication, constant testing, and careful monitoring by the City’s Water Department.

Water quality standards in the United States are governed by strict federal and state regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) establishes national criteria to protect aquatic life, human health, and ensure drinking water is safe for everyone. States, including Massachusetts, can also develop their own standards or modify EPA recommendations to account for local conditions.

In Cambridge, ensuring the water’s quality goes far beyond meeting basic standards—it’s about exceeding expectations. “It’s like we’re manufacturing a product, and in Cambridge, we want it to taste good,” says Julie Greenwood-Torelli, Director of Water Operations.

Each week, the Cambridge Water Department tests samples from multiple locations throughout the City. They check pH levels, color, bacteria, and more. Total organic carbon (TOC) is tested monthly. Beyond these regular checks, Cambridge prioritizes proactive testing for emerging contaminants, ensuring residents' health is protected even against newly discovered risks.

An example of this forward-thinking approach is Cambridge’s monitoring of PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—chemicals that only began receiving widespread attention for their health risks around 2020. Cambridge, however, had already been testing for PFAS as early as 2019. “We might oversample and it costs a bit more, but it’s worth it to detect these emerging contaminants early,” Greenwood-Torelli explains.

If a water sample were ever to show dangerous contamination levels, the Water Department is prepared to act immediately. In severe cases, they would issue a public health advisory, such as a Boil Water Order.

Maintaining Cambridge’s excellent water quality isn’t just about internal diligence—it’s also about engaging with the public. The Water Department places a strong emphasis on education, offering free tours of the treatment plant and laboratory during the first week of every month. These tours provide residents, students, and community groups with a behind-the-scenes look at how Cambridge's drinking water is treated and monitored. The tours also help inspire the next generation of environmental and public health professionals.

In addition to public education, Department employees are required to take continuing education classes each year to maintain their professional licenses. This commitment to professional development ensures that staff stay current with the latest water safety practices, technologies, and regulatory requirements. For residents who want to test the water in their homes, the Cambridge Water Department offers free testing kits. Kits can be picked up at the Department’s self-service desk and are designed to test for lead and copper—two elements that are particularly concerning for drinking water. Each kit comes with a QR code linking to easy-to-follow instructions for collecting and returning samples.

Taste and odor complaints are among the most common issues residents report. If you notice something unusual about your water, you are encouraged to contact the Water Department’s lab directly at 617-349-4780 for assistance.

Transparency is a key value for Cambridge’s Water Department. Every year, the Department publishes an Annual Water Quality Report, which provides detailed information about the quality of the City’s drinking water, testing results, and any violations or necessary corrective actions. Ultimately, the City of Cambridge’s Water Department takes its mission seriously: delivering safe, clean, and great-tasting water to every resident. Their proactive approach to testing, swift response to potential issues, investment in technology, commitment to public education, and regular reporting demonstrate a deep dedication to public health.

When you pour a glass of water in Cambridge, you can feel confident knowing it represents not just careful science and rigorous standards—but also a community-wide commitment to safety, excellence, and trust.

A gloved hand holding a clear beaker filled with water in alaboratory setting with scientific equipment in the background.

Safe, Clean Water

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