South Peabody
South Peabody, MA water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
With about 50,293 residents, South Peabody ranks as the 28th-largest city in Massachusetts and a small but growing city. Water in South Peabody is sourced chiefly from Quabbin Reservoir, rivers, and groundwater, the backbone of Massachusetts's supply.
The defining water pressure here mirrors the state's: aging infrastructure. The Quabbin system gives Boston a robust supply, while smaller systems wrestle with PFAS and lead pipes.
Statewide, Massachusetts recycles about 4% of its wastewater with minimal reuse programs. Locally, South Peabody faces moderate to severe drought conditions.
The Massachusetts state profile covers the regional supply outlook; the issues below detail what's driving South Peabody's water future.
At a glance
- Population ~50,293 (28th-largest in Massachusetts)
- Primary sources: Quabbin Reservoir, rivers, and groundwater
- Drought: moderate to severe conditions
- State reuse rate: ~4% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of Massachusetts in severe+ drought (Severe (D2) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in South Peabody?
South Peabody is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 22.4% of Massachusetts's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does South Peabody get its water?
South Peabody draws from the same regional sources that serve Massachusetts: Quabbin Reservoir, rivers, groundwater.
Related water issues
Aging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
ExplorePFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in water supplies for decades. New federal limits are forcing utilities nationwide to invest in advanced treatment.
Explore