Worcester, MA

High Risk (74/100)

Transparent derived index from EPA TRI / SDWIS / Superfund extracts: not an official EPA rating. Fixed caps: facilities ≤25 pts (50+ = max), log10 releases ≤25 pts, Superfund ≤25 pts (5/site), health-violation systems ≤15 pts (3/system), high-chemical facilities ≤10 pts. Bands: High ≥60, Moderate ≥30. See methodology.

Environmental data for Worcester in Massachusetts · Population: 861,664

TRI sites such as Supercon Inc; Select Engineering Inc; Incom Inc.; SDWIS systems such as WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION; FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY; LEOMINSTER WATER DIVISION; NPL sites such as Hocomonco Pond anchor Worcester, MA's EPA extract. Derived burden score 74/100 (High Risk) uses fixed national caps on density, log release volume, Superfund count, and health-flagged systems - not an official EPA rating.

Health-flagged SDWIS rows in Worcester include WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION; FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY; LEOMINSTER WATER DIVISION, while Supercon Inc leads reported TRI pounds among local Form R filers. AQS median AQI 37 / peak 90 in 2024.

Burden score 74/100 (High Risk) is the only weighted composite on this page. The tables below list every TRI facility, SDWIS system, and Superfund site EPA has on record for Worcester -- not just the names called out above -- reproducing the disclosure history as filed, not a current-safety verdict. Extract current as of 2026-08-25.

Release-over-release change

What changed for Worcester, MA: EPA TRI 2023 reporting year

2022 → 2023

Same facilities, both years

-6.2%

65 facilities that filed in 2022 and 2023

Whole inventory

-9.3%

283.1 thousand lb → 256.8 thousand lb, every facility that filed

Between the two reporting years, 1 facility filed for the first time and 5 stopped filing. Facilities entering or leaving the inventory are excluded from the same-facility comparison above.

  • Worcester, MA's total reported releases fell from 273.8 thousand lb in 2022 to 256.7 thousand lb in 2023, based on EPA TRI filings.
  • Worcester, MA's land releases rose from 11.5 thousand lb in 2022 to 31.3 thousand lb in 2023, based on EPA TRI filings.
  • Worcester, MA's off-site transfers fell from 183.4 thousand lb in 2022 to 144.7 thousand lb in 2023, based on EPA TRI filings.
  • Worcester, MA's water releases rose from 1.2 thousand lb in 2022 to 1.3 thousand lb in 2023, based on EPA TRI filings.
County population (Census ACS)
861,664
TRI Facilities
50
Water Systems
129
Superfund Sites
1
Total Releases
1.5M lbs

Air Quality History (2020–2024)

EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) data showing how many days per year fall into each air quality category.

Year Good Moderate Unhealthy (SG) Max AQI
2024 321 (88%) 45 0 90
2023 268 (73%) 93 4 148
2022 228 (62%) 137 0 100
2021 218 (60%) 144 3 125
2020 257 (70%) 109 0 90
2024 Good Air Quality: 88% of days
Median AQI: 37

Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) Annual AQI by County AQI categories: Good (0-50), Moderate (51-100), Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150), Unhealthy (151-200), Very Unhealthy (201-300), Hazardous (301+)

For real-time air quality readings and pollutant breakdowns in Massachusetts, see the EPA's AirNow.gov.

Water Systems (129)

System System pop (SDWIS) Violations
WORCESTER DPWP, WATER SUPPLY DIVISION 206,518 1
FITCHBURG DPW DIVISION OF WATER SUPPLY 41,946 1
LEOMINSTER WATER DIVISION 41,683 5
SHREWSBURY WATER DEPARTMENT 38,325 0
MILFORD WATER DEPARTMENT 30,379 1
WESTBOROUGH WATER DEPARTMENT 21,567 2
GARDNER WATER DEPARTMENT 21,381 2
SOUTHBRIDGE WATER DEPARTMENT 19,562 0
HOLDEN WATER DIVISION, DPW 18,016 1
WEBSTER WATER DEPARTMENT 17,776 1
CLINTON WATER DEPT 15,428 2
NORTHBOROUGH WATER DEPARTMENT (MWRA) 13,551 0
AUBURN WATER DISTRICT 12,255 2
UXBRIDGE DPW, WATER DIVISION 11,612 3
ASH/WIN JOINT WATER AUTHORITY 11,394 0
AQUARION WATER COMPANY, MILLBURY 11,368 0
GRAFTON WATER DISTRICT 10,925 0
SOUTHBOROUGH DPW WATER DIVISION (MWRA) 10,638 0
ATHOL DPW WATER DIVISION 10,587 0
AQUARION WATER COMPANY, PINEHILLS 9,478 0
BLACKSTONE WATER DEPARTMENT 9,463 1
NORTHBRIDGE WATER DIVISION 8,127 0
WHITINSVILLE WATER COMPANY 7,899 3
AQUARION WATER COMPANY OXFORD 7,384 0
LUNENBURG WATER DISTRICT 7,219 0
SPENCER WATER DEPARTMENT 7,037 1
WEST BOYLSTON WATER DISTRICT 6,919 0
STERLING WATER DEPARTMENT 6,715 2
DEVENS MASSDEVELOPMENT 6,500 1
TEMPLETON MUNIC. LIGHT AND WATER PLANT 6,159 0
RUTLAND WATER DEPARTMENT 6,025 14
HOPEDALE WATER DEPARTMENT 6,017 2
LANCASTER WATER DEPARTMENT 6,000 1
WINCHENDON WATER DEPARTMENT 5,706 2
DUDLEY WATER DEPARTMENT 5,515 1
STURBRIDGE WATER DEPARTMENT 4,746 3
UPTON DPW WATER/WASTEWATER DIVISION 4,420 0
DOUGLAS WATER DEPARTMENT 4,400 0
PAXTON WATER DEPARTMENT 4,300 0
WESTMINSTER DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS 3,889 7
NORTH BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT 3,863 2
CHERRY VALLEY/ ROCHDALE WATER DISTRICT 3,696 48
ASHBURNHAM WATER DEPARTMENT 3,680 1
MCI SHIRLEY 3,500 2
BOYLSTON WATER DISTRICT 3,343 1
SOUTH GRAFTON WATER DISTRICT 3,262 0
WEST BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT 3,217 0
LEICESTER WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT 3,200 0
MCI BRIDGEWATER 2,802 4
WILKINSONVILLE WATER DISTRICT 2,773 0
BARRE WATER DEPARTMENT 2,610 1
WARREN WATER DISTRICT 2,289 1
ELM HILL WATER DISTRICT 2,278 0
AQUARION WATER COMPANY PONDS OF PLYMOUTH 2,267 0
MCI NORFOLK/CEDAR JUNCTION/WALPOLE 2,200 1
AQUARION WATER COMPANY (DOVER) 1,929 3
EAST BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT 1,526 0
HILLCREST WATER DISTRICT 1,500 0
HARVARD WATER DEPARTMENT 1,422 1
GILBERTVILLE WATER DISTRICT 1,089 1
BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT 1,008 0
WEST WARREN WATER DISTRICT 927 1
BOLTON OFFICE PARK ALTA NASHOBA VALLEY 788 0
MENDON WATER DEPARTMENT 470 0
HUTCHINSON WATER LLC 400 0
MILLBURY IND. PARK/ PARK HILL VILLAGE 400 1
STURBRIDGE RETIREMENT COOP. CORP. 350 0
WHEELWRIGHT WATER DISTRICT 300 1
EAGLE HILL SCHOOL 300 1
SOUTH ROYALSTON IMPROVEMENT CORP 275 0
SAWYER HILL ECOVILLAGE 272 0
WAGON WHEEL COMMUNITY, INC. 228 0
MASAC PLYMOUTH 210 0
HERITAGE ASSOCIATION 158 0
CEDAR CREEK MHP 154 0
MEADOWBROOK VILLAGE CONDOMINIUMS 150 0
HARVARD GREEN CONDOMINIUMS 150 0
AYER ROAD PROPERTIES LLC 150 0
NASONVILLE WATER DISTRICT 150 0
REGENCY AT BOLTON CONDOMINIUMS 148 0
STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTRY ESTATES 140 0
CENTURY MILL ESTATES 135 0
HIGHLAND RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS 132 0
HOLMES PARK WATER DISTRICT 131 0
GREEN VALLEY MOBILE HOME PARK 127 2
AQUARION WATER CO. (SPRINGDALE FARMS) 126 1
WOODLAND RIDGE 125 0
NANATOMQUA MOBILE HOME PARK 123 0
REVEL PELHAM 123 10
BROOKFIELD MEADOWS MHP 120 0
LANCASTER WOODS CONDOMINIUMS 120 1
LEINO PARK WATER DISTRICT 120 2
BARRE MHP/WATERWHEEL VILLAGE 114 0
ROCKWOOD MEADOWS 110 0
TRAIL RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS 104 0
ENCLAVE AT BOXBOROUGH 100 0
DEERFIELD ESTATES 100 0
ESTATES AT HIGHLAND RIDGE 100 0
PINE HILL CONDOMINIUM 95 1
HARDWICK CENTER WATER DISTRICT 80 2
THE PRESERVE AT HOPKINTON CONDO 80 2
CADY BROOK CROSSING CONDOMINIUMS 75 2
COOL SANDY BEACH COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM 70 2
LAUREL HILL CONDOMINIUMS 64 0
FAIRHAVEN MOBILE HOME PARK 63 2
BOLTON COUNTRY MANOR 60 1
TORIA HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUM 60 3
APPLETON GARDENS 57 0
ROYAL PINE VILLA 55 3
COBBLERS CREEK CONDOMINIUMS 54 0
STURBRIDGE CROSSING CONDOMINIUM 52 0
APPLEWOOD HOME FOR ELDERS 50 0
VILLAGE AT HIGHLAND PARK 50 0
PINEWOOD ON THE GREEN CONDOS 50 0
MADDEN ESTATES 50 20
NORTHBROOK VILLAGE I / BERLIN RET. 48 2
SAINT JOSEPHS ABBEY 45 0
SUNSET RIDGE CONDOMINIUMS 42 0
WHITNEY ESTATES CONDOMINIUMS 40 0
HUBBARDSTON HOUSE APARTMENTS 40 0
SILVERLEAF HOLLOW CONDOMINIUMS 40 0
BUFFUMVILLE HEIGHTS ESTATES CONDOMINIUM 40 0
CENTRE VILLAGE APARTMENTS 36 0
ARNIO DRIVE LLC 33 0
MAPLEBROOK APARTMENTS 33 0
MENDON HOUSING AUTHORITY 31 0
122 MAIN STREET 30 0
COUNTRYSIDE CONDOMINIUM 30 1
CHARLTON MANOR REST HOME 26 0

TRI Facilities (50)

# Facility Total Releases
1 Supercon Inc 186.9K lbs
2 Select Engineering Inc 173.4K lbs
3 Incom Inc. 166.0K lbs
4 U S Army Garrison Fort Devens Ranges 120.2K lbs
5 Avient Colorants USA LLC - Holden Facility 79.6K lbs
6 Gvs N.a. Inc. 78.6K lbs
7 Saint-Gobain Abrasives & Saint -Gobain Ceramics & Plastics 75.9K lbs
8 Flexcon Co Inc. 67.3K lbs
9 Vibram Corp 47.3K lbs
10 Cleanpart East 44.3K lbs
11 Advance Coatings Co 42.8K lbs
12 Highline Warren LLC 39.9K lbs
13 Chroma Color Corp 37.2K lbs
14 Ls Starrett Co 36.4K lbs
15 Veranova L.P. 29.9K lbs
16 Wyman-Gordon Co 28.7K lbs
17 Teknor Apex Elastomers Inc. 27.7K lbs
18 Cytiva 23.6K lbs
19 S&e Specialty Polymers LLC 21.6K lbs
20 Lighting & Imaging - Southbridge 16.7K lbs
21 Photonis Scientific Inc 16.6K lbs
22 Gentex Optics Inc 15.0K lbs
23 Independent Plating Co. 14.1K lbs
24 Lewcott Corp D/b/a Barrday Composite Solutions 12.7K lbs
25 Saint Gobain Performance Plastics 9.0K lbs
26 Bodycote Thermal Processing 8.9K lbs
27 Nitto Denko Avecia Inc. 8.3K lbs
28 Southwin Ltd 6.0K lbs
29 Photofabrication Engineering I Nc 5.1K lbs
30 Mace Adhesives & Coatings Co I Nc 4.7K lbs
31 Newark America 4.6K lbs
32 Mexichem Specialty Compounds 4.2K lbs
33 Shield Packaging Co Inc 3.8K lbs
34 Synthomer Inc. 3.2K lbs
35 Alpha Wire Co 2.6K lbs
36 County Heat Treat LLC 2.5K lbs
37 Innofiber LLC 2.4K lbs
38 Benjamin Moore & Co-Milford 2.1K lbs
39 Industrial Polymers & Chemical S Inc 2.0K lbs
40 Karl Storz Endovision 1.9K lbs
41 Riverdale Mills Corp 1.6K lbs
42 Incom Inc 1.1K lbs
43 New Method Plating Co.,inc. 889 lbs
44 Garlock Printing & Converting 800 lbs
45 US Pack Inc 436 lbs
46 Whipps Inc 380 lbs
47 Komtek Forge LLC 171 lbs
48 Polymer Concentrates Inc 141 lbs
49 Kadant Solutions Div 138 lbs
50 Wyman-Gordon Co 119 lbs

Superfund Sites (1)

Site Name Status HRS Score
Hocomonco Pond NPL Site 44.80

Cities in Worcester (70)

Worcester
11 facilities · 6 water
Leominster
10 facilities · 2 water
Westborough
4 facilities · 8 water
Milford
4 facilities · 5 water
Dudley
4 facilities · 1 water
Fitchburg
4 facilities · 1 water
Southbridge
4 facilities · 1 water
Charlton
4 facilities · 0 water
Athol
3 facilities · 2 water
Holden
3 facilities · 1 water
Shrewsbury
3 facilities · 1 water
Sterling
3 facilities · 1 water
Millbury
2 facilities · 7 water
Lunenburg
2 facilities · 4 water
Auburn
2 facilities · 2 water
Gardner
2 facilities · 2 water
Devens
2 facilities · 1 water
Oxford
1 facilities · 3 water
Sturbridge
1 facilities · 3 water
Westminster
1 facilities · 3 water
Spencer
1 facilities · 2 water
West Brookfield
1 facilities · 2 water
Clinton
1 facilities · 1 water
Douglas
1 facilities · 1 water
North Brookfield
1 facilities · 1 water
Northborough
1 facilities · 1 water
Northbridge
1 facilities · 1 water
Uxbridge
1 facilities · 1 water
West Boylston
1 facilities · 1 water
North Grafton
1 facilities · 0 water
North Oxford
1 facilities · 0 water
Otter River
1 facilities · 0 water
South Lancaster
1 facilities · 0 water
Boylston
0 facilities · 5 water
Berlin
0 facilities · 4 water
Brookfield
0 facilities · 4 water
Harvard
0 facilities · 4 water
Grafton
0 facilities · 3 water
Whitinsville
0 facilities · 3 water
Ashburnham
0 facilities · 2 water
Barre
0 facilities · 2 water
Bolton
0 facilities · 2 water
Gilbertville
0 facilities · 2 water
Leicester
0 facilities · 2 water
Mendon
0 facilities · 2 water
Rutland
0 facilities · 2 water
Southborough
0 facilities · 2 water
Sutton
0 facilities · 2 water
Warren
0 facilities · 2 water
Baldwinville
0 facilities · 1 water
Blackstone
0 facilities · 1 water
Cherry Valley
0 facilities · 1 water
East Brookfield
0 facilities · 1 water
Hardwick
0 facilities · 1 water
Hopedale
0 facilities · 1 water
Hubbardston
0 facilities · 1 water
Lancaster
0 facilities · 1 water
Northboro
0 facilities · 1 water
Paxton
0 facilities · 1 water
Rochdale
0 facilities · 1 water
Royalston
0 facilities · 1 water
Shewsbury
0 facilities · 1 water
Shrewbury
0 facilities · 1 water
South Grafton
0 facilities · 1 water
Upton
0 facilities · 1 water
Webster
0 facilities · 1 water
West Warren
0 facilities · 1 water
Westboro
0 facilities · 1 water
Wheelwright
0 facilities · 1 water
Winchendon
0 facilities · 1 water

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the environmental risk level in Worcester, Massachusetts?
Worcester, MA has an environmental risk score of 74/100 (High Risk), based on 50 TRI facilities, 1 Superfund sites, and 129 water systems on record. 56 water systems have health-based violations. Source: EPA TRI, SDWIS, and Superfund NPL.
Are there Superfund sites in Worcester?
Yes, Worcester, MA has 1 Superfund site on the EPA National Priorities List (NPL). Superfund sites are contaminated locations that require long-term cleanup under the EPA Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).
How many toxic release facilities are in Worcester?
Worcester, MA has 50 TRI-reporting facilities on record with the EPA Toxic Release Inventory, with a combined total of 1.5M lbs in reported toxic releases. TRI facilities self-report annual chemical release data to the EPA.
What is the air quality in Worcester?
In 2024, Worcester, MA recorded a median AQI of 37 and a peak AQI of 90. 88% of monitored days had "Good" air quality (AQI 0–50). Source: EPA Air Quality System (AQS) Annual AQI by County.
Is the drinking water safe in Worcester?
Worcester, MA has 129 EPA-regulated water systems. 56 systems have reported health-based violations (MCL exceedances). A past violation does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe. For current water quality, contact your local water utility. Source: EPA SDWIS.
What environmental agencies cover Worcester?
Environmental compliance in Worcester, Massachusetts is overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at the federal level and the Massachusetts state environmental agency. Facilities report to the EPA Toxic Release Inventory, water systems are regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and contaminated sites are managed under the Superfund program. Contact your state environmental agency for local concerns.

What does this county environmental profile show?

This county environmental profile rolls up EPA Toxics Release Inventory facility reports, Safe Drinking Water Information System public-water-system filings, and Superfund National Priorities List sites for the county boundary defined by the U.S. Census Bureau. Facility counts reflect facilities with a reporting address inside the county, not where downstream environmental effects may be observed. Population figures are from the most recent Census ACS 5-year estimate. The county detail page is updated whenever the upstream EPA programs publish revised data; see the methodology page for the documented ingest cadence and the editorial choices governing how aggregations are computed.

Related

Data sourced from U.S. EPA environmental datasets. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainEnviro