Water Bottles

Major news media have shown vivid images of countless mountains of water bottles ending up in landfills. More and more people are getting water from a bottle than from the faucet.  But there’s good news for Cambridge residents and businesses.   "Our Cambridge water is excellent," said Councillor Henrietta Davis.  "So, there’s no need to buy bottled water."

Bottled water is marketed based on its quality and Cambridge’s water is of  very high quality.   It comes from a watershed in the western suburbs and is stored at Hobbs Brook Reservoir in Weston.   From there it is piped to the treatment plant on Fresh Pond Parkway where it is treated without the use of chlorine by a process that produces excellent water.

Some people may wonder about the effect of the pipes in their own homes on the water.  The good news is that, with all the testing that has been done of Cambridge water in homes, businesses and schools, no water with unacceptable levels of lead or other contaminants has been found.  If you still wonder, though, about your water’s quality, you can pick up a test kit at the Water Treatment Plant at the front desk.

Councillor Davis believes city buildings need to set a good example.  "In September, I will introduce a Council order to stop providing bottled water in city buildings.  I expect that instead you will soon see –and get to try out -- new, modern water bubblers at City Hall," said Councillor Henrietta Davis.