Marlborough Warns Of Unauthorized Water Testing Solicitations

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The Marlborough Department of Public Works is warning residents to be aware of a company offering unauthorized water quality testing in the city.

Both the public works department and the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) conduct routine water tests certified by the state Department of Environmental Protection, officials said. Private testing may be unnecessary because water tests are available monthly from the MWRA.

According to public works, the company, called Quality Water Testing USA, has been leaving fliers on doors that indicate a homeowner has missed some kind of water test.

According to the latest MWRA tests, the system's drinking water from the Quabbin tested far below thresholds for contaminates like fecal bacteria and algae. MWRA collected 51 samples from Marlborough in April alone, and none tested positive for harmful bacteria.

The public works department said residents approached by private testing companies should verify their credentials, and confirm they are not affiliated with the city. The MWRA also maintains a list of state-certified labs where residents can get tap water tested.