Where Does New Bedford's Water Come From?
Water Source
Quittacas Water Treatment Plant — multiple reservoirs
New Bedford draws its water from a system of reservoirs including the Great Quittacas Pond, Little Quittacas Pond, and Assawompset Pond. The city's water story is intertwined with its industrial past — New Bedford Harbor is one of the most contaminated harbors in the nation, a Superfund site with extensive PCB and heavy metal contamination from decades of manufacturing.
What's in New Bedford's Water?
Based on water quality reports, testing data, and environmental assessments, these are the contaminants of concern for New Bedford residents:
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Status: Harbor Superfund site — environmental concern
New Bedford Harbor is an EPA Superfund site with massive PCB contamination from electronics manufacturing. While the drinking water supply comes from separate reservoirs, the pervasive environmental contamination affects the city's overall exposure picture.
Lead
Status: Elevated risk — Industrial city infrastructure
New Bedford's dense older housing stock and industrial-era infrastructure create significant lead exposure risk. Many homes built before 1940 have lead service lines and lead paint, creating dual exposure pathways.
HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids)
Status: Detected from surface water treatment
Surface water treatment from the reservoir system creates disinfection byproducts including HAA5. Levels fluctuate seasonally and are monitored regularly.
Heavy Metals
Status: Industrial legacy
New Bedford's manufacturing history includes exposure to various heavy metals including cadmium, mercury, and chromium. While not directly in the water supply, they represent the city's broader environmental contamination burden.
Health Risks for New Bedford Residents
According to the EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG), prolonged exposure to contaminants found in New Bedford's water may increase risk of:
- • Cancer: PCBs are probable carcinogens. New Bedford residents face elevated cancer risk from environmental PCB exposure through multiple pathways
- • Lead Poisoning: New Bedford has historically high childhood lead poisoning rates. Lead from water and paint creates a compounding exposure risk
- • Neurological Damage: Both PCBs and lead cause permanent neurological damage, particularly in children
- • Reproductive Effects: PCBs and heavy metals are linked to reproductive harm and developmental delays
📍 New Bedford Local Tip
New Bedford residents — your city faces a dual challenge: lead in old plumbing AND the broader PCB/heavy metal environmental contamination from the harbor area. If you live in the South End, North End, or near the waterfront, environmental exposure adds to drinking water concerns. A whole-home approach matters: RO for drinking water, plus awareness of soil and dust exposure. The city offers free childhood lead testing — use it.
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Standard pitcher filters (like Brita) are not effective at removing PCBs or most contaminants found in New Bedford's water. Water quality experts recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants.
Why RO Works for New Bedford Water:
- ✓ Removes 99%+ of PCBs, Lead, HAA5
- ✓ Uses semi-permeable membrane to filter at molecular level
- ✓ Fits under your kitchen sink — no major renovation needed
- ✓ Provides clean drinking and cooking water on demand
- ✓ NSF-certified systems are independently tested and verified
Top Recommended RO Systems for New Bedford
APEC ROES-50
A reliable, no-frills workhorse — perfect for New Bedford families on a budget.
- • 5-Stage filtration system
- • Removes up to 99% of contaminants including PCBs
- • Industry-standard parts (easy, affordable replacements)
- • Excellent long-term track record with thousands of reviews
iSpring RCC7AK
Best for taste — adds healthy minerals back after filtering New Bedford's water.
- • 6-Stage with alkaline remineralization
- • Water tastes like natural spring water
- • See-through housing shows filter condition
- • Top-rated by New Bedford area homeowners
Waterdrop G3P800
The modern, space-saving tankless choice for New Bedford homes.
- • Tankless design saves cabinet space
- • 800 GPD flow rate (fills a cup in seconds)
- • Smart faucet displays real-time water quality
- • Easy twist-and-pull filter changes — no plumber needed
Ready to Install?
Step-by-step DIY installation guide — works for any New Bedford home
View Installation Guide →Frequently Asked Questions — New Bedford Water
Is New Bedford water safe to drink?
New Bedford's reservoir water meets federal standards, but the city's aging infrastructure creates lead risk at the tap. Combined with the broader environmental contamination from the harbor Superfund site, home filtration is highly recommended.
Is the New Bedford Harbor contamination in the drinking water?
The drinking water comes from reservoirs separate from the harbor. However, the harbor's PCB contamination affects the environment broadly — soil, dust, and seafood are exposure pathways. For drinking water specifically, lead from old infrastructure is the primary concern.
Does New Bedford have lead in the water?
Yes, lead is a significant concern. New Bedford has dense pre-war housing stock with lead service lines and lead solder. The city has historically elevated childhood lead poisoning rates. Testing your tap water is essential.
What filter should New Bedford residents use?
A reverse osmosis system addresses both lead (99% removal) and other contaminants like HAA5 and heavy metals. For New Bedford families, an RO system is one of the most impactful health investments you can make.
Sources
- • New Bedford Water Department Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
- • EPA Superfund Site: New Bedford Harbor
- • Massachusetts DPH Childhood Lead Poisoning Data
- • Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database
- • Massachusetts DEP Drinking Water Standards