Green Newton

Why tap water?

Newton is a participant in the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) network of communities that draws its water from the Quabbin Reservoir in Central Massachusetts. Tap water in Newton is a safe and healthy choice, and much more sustainable than bottled water. It is regularly monitored at the source for purity, and subject to strict water quality standards to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful contaminants. The 2022 drinking water test results for Newton published by the MWRA confirm that our drinking water quality is excellent.
Tap water is very low-cost, making it an indispensable community resource. It does not contribute to litter, plastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in our community the way bottled water does. Each plastic bottle discarded after a single use has a very low chance of being recycled. When tossed in the trash in Newton, it ends up at an incinerator, which releases toxins into the atmosphere. In addition, recent research has found that concerning levels of nano plastics are found in water packaged in single use plastics bottles.

Public access to tap water

Newton on Tap has been actively working with city stakeholders to identify working bottle refill station locations. The City plans to locate outdoor stations on new public buildings built in the future. Examples of new construction that will include outdoor water filling station access are the new Gath Pool and the Cooper Senior Center.

Retailers and tap water refills

The Newton on Tap campaign also includes outreach to business owners. To help increase the number of access points around the city, we are asking local businesses to participate in refilling a customer’s water bottle or providing a glass of tap water upon request.

How can I help?

Do you know of a business that offers a free water dispenser for customers? Are you willing to ask your favorite restaurant to provide one? Email us to let us know.
We are working on a map to show locations of current water bottle refill stations and water fountains in the city. If you have an update on the condition or working status of an existing public water source, or the location of a drinking water source that is missing from the map, email us.