Attleboro Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The Attleboro Water Department provides municipal water to approximately 46,461 residents in Attleboro, Massachusetts, in Bristol County. The supply is sourced from surface water reservoirs throughout the Attleboro region, feeding into the Ten Mile River basin. Key treatment facilities include the Wading River Plant and the West Street Plant, employing conventional filtration, hypochlorite, and ozone disinfection. The utility can be reached at 774-203-1850 or 508-223-2222, with offices at 1296 West St and 77 Park Street, Attleboro, MA 02703.

The watershed encompasses local reservoirs feeding into the Ten Mile River basin, characteristic of southeastern Massachusetts hydrology. Bedrock consists of igneous and metamorphic rocks from the Appalachian orogeny — Precambrian and Paleozoic schists, gneisses, and granites — with overlying Pleistocene glacial till and outwash sands shaping shallow aquifers and surface flows. Limited limestone and dolomite outcrops prevent extreme hardness, while mineral leaching from weathered crystalline rocks and glacial deposits produces a moderately mineralised water profile.

At moderately hard levels, scale buildup occurs noticeably in dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters, reducing efficiency and lifespan. Faucet aerators and showerheads may clog over time; regular monthly vinegar descaling and annual appliance checks help mitigate effects. A water softener is often recommended to prevent spotting on dishes and dry skin. Water quality testing identified 169+ contaminants, with 4 exceeding EPA health-based guidelines including TTHMs, haloacetic acids, bromate, and hexavalent chromium. PFAS levels reached 34 ppt in April 2021 at the Wading River Plant, exceeding Massachusetts' 20 ppt and EPA's 4 ppt limits; a removal facility became operational by early 2025. The West Street Plant complies with PFAS standards.