Andrews Farm Water Emergency Response

Boil Water Order in Effect for Andrews Farm Water System Customers

Last Updated: July 31, 2026

Aquarion Water is responding to the detection of E. coli bacteria in the drinking water supply serving the Andrews Farm Water System in Boxford, Massachusetts.

On July 28, 2026, two routine total coliform bacteria samples collected at the Andrews Farm Water Company Public Water System (PWS) tested positive for total coliform and E. Coli bacteria. Confirmatory samples taken on July 30, 2026, confirmed the presence of E. coli bacteria. E. coli bacteria can make you sick and are a particular concern for people with weakened immune systems. Bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source (for example, following heavy rains). It can also happen due to a break in the distribution system (pipes).

On July 31, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a Boil Water Order for customers served by the Andrews Farm Water System. Customers in the affected area should follow the Boil Water Order until further notice.

What Should I Do? What Does This Mean?

The following documents contain important information and guidance regarding the Boil Water Order:

What Is Being Done?

Aquarion Water is in contact with MassDEP, which is evaluating the actions we are taking to ensure safe water is being delivered to customers. On July 31, 2026, we installed temporary emergency chlorination to provide disinfection to the distribution system, while we investigate the issue. We anticipate resolving the problem as soon as possible and will inform customers when they no longer need to boil their water.

Questions or Concerns?

For more information, please contact Aquarion Water at 1-800-732-9678 or WaterQuality@aquarionwater.com. General guidelines on ways to lessen the risk of infection by microbes are available from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Aquarion Assumes Emergency Control of Andrews Farm Water System

September 11, 2025

In response to a water emergency affecting the Andrews Farm neighborhood in Boxford, Massachusetts, Eversource subsidiary Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts has been directed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to assume operational and management control of the local water system. This action follows a declaration issued by Governor Maura Healey on September 10, 2025, citing the urgent need to restore potable water service to 53 homes rendered uninhabitable due to lack of water.

What You Need to Know

Under the leadership and expertise of Eversource Energy, Aquarion will work in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, the Towns of Boxford and Topsfield, and other local partners to restore water service. Aquarion is authorized to access all necessary equipment and assets of Andrews Farm Water Company and its close integration with Eversource’s infrastructure and operational leadership will help enable the seamless deployment of resources to lead this critical restoration effort.

Eversource and Aquarion remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of the Andrews Farm community and will continue to work closely with state and local officials throughout the restoration process. As part of this process, Aquarion will identify system issues and develop an emergency plan, in compliance with our regulator, to restore water service to Andrews Farm residents. Updates will be posted below as the situation evolves.

automatic lawn sprinkler watering green grass

Mandatory Ban on Nonessential Outdoor Water Use in Effect

  • Outdoor water use is restricted to water cans, hand-held hoses controlled by a nozzle, or drip irrigation systems only before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m.
  • The use of sprinkler irrigation systems or hose-end sprinklers is prohibited at any time.

"Nonessential outside water use" is defined to include those uses that do not have health or safety impacts, are not required by regulation, and are not needed to meet the core functions of a business or other organization.

Latest Updates from Aquarion

July 31, 2026

  • On July 31, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) issued a Boil Water Order for customers served by the Andrews Farm Water System after routine water quality samples collected on July 28 and confirmatory samples collected on July 30 tested positive for E. coli bacteria. For more information, read the Public Notice.

June 22, 2026

  • In accordance with direction from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Aquarion has developed a Water Quality Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), for the Andrews Farm Water Company system. A printed copy of the report will be hand-delivered to system customers, and a link to an electronic copy will be distributed by email. The report is also available online at aquarionwater.com/docs/andrewsfarmswqr.

December 5, 2025

  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a supplemental order for Andrews Farm Water Company on December 5, 2025. This order keeps the state-declared water emergency in effect through February 13, 2026, while Aquarion Water Company continues to operate and manage the system and state and local officials work toward a long-term solution.
  • The Mass DPU has also directed Aquarion to apply an $80 flat monthly service fee. The start date for billing has not yet been set. Customers will be notified once it's finalized.

November 24, 2025

  • In accordance with direction from the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU), Aquarion has developed a Water Quality Report, also known as a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), for the Andrews Farm Water Company system. A printed copy of the report was hand-delivered to system customers, and a link to an electronic copy was sent by email. The report is also available online at aquarionwater.com/docs/andrewsfarmswqr.

November 7, 2025

  • Aquarion Water Company distributed a PFAS Public Education/Public Notification (PEPN) to customers of Andrews Farm Water Company, as required by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP). This notice provides important information about your drinking water and includes a MassDEP fact sheet on PFAS. The notice is also available online at aquarionwater.com/docs/andrewsfarmswqr.

October 17, 2025

  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) issued a supplemental order for Andrews Farm Water Company on October 17, 2025. This order keeps the state-declared water emergency in effect through December 5, 2025, while Aquarion Water Company continues to operate and manage the system and state and local officials work toward a long-term solution.

September 17, 2025

  • The boil water order previously announced for all Andrews Farm Water Company customers has been lifted. Aquarion Water Company has collected and tested two rounds of water samples from the distribution system and no bacteria were detected. Therefore, Massachusetts DEP has lifted the boil water order for the water system.

September 15, 2025

  • Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities have received several inquiries from Andrews Farm residents regarding billing. In response, the Mass DPU has provided the following guidance: “Until further notice, Aquarion Water Company will be handling customer billing. Accordingly, customers should refrain from making payments until they hear from Aquarion. If customers have any questions they can call the Department of Public Utilities at 1-617-737-2836 or Aquarion at 1-800-732-9678.” Aquarion is currently working to establish billing procedures for Andrews Farm residents and will provide additional information as it becomes available.
  • The Andrews Farm water system remains under a Boil Water Order until further notice. In accordance with Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulations, Aquarion collected the first round of water samples today. Two consecutive rounds of clean results are required before the order can be lifted. While no definitive timeline is confirmed, Aquarion anticipates that the Boil Water Order may be lifted later this week, pending regulatory approval. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
  • Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts appreciates the strong response from Andrews Farm residents who have submitted their contact information and reached out with questions. Your participation is helping us stay connected and responsive as we work to keep the community informed. If you haven’t yet provided your information, we encourage you to contact us by using the form below or calling us at 1-800-732-9678 during our Call Center hours, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

September 12, 2025

  • Aquarion continues to work with its contractor, Weston & Sampson, to review the Andrews Farm water system's infrastructure and operations. Residents may see Weston & Sampson representatives in the neighborhood over the weekend as this work progresses.
  • MassDEP's September 12, 2025 Emergency Declaration requires Andrews Farm customers to follow a mandatory ban on all nonessential outdoor water use until further notice.

September 11, 2025

  • In response to Governor Healey’s Declaration of Water Emergency, the Department of Public Utilities has appointed Aquarion Water Company of Massachusetts to manage and operate the Andrews Farm water system. A Joint Statement from Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Tram Nguyen, and the Town of Boxford highlights the unified effort to restore water service and protect public health.
  • Upon assuming control of the Andrews Farm water system, Aquarion and Weston & Sampson identified an equipment malfunction. The equipment was replacement and water service was restored to Andrews Farm residents. Coordination with state and local officials remains ongoing as we continue to monitor system performance and ensure safe operations. The system remains under a Boil Water Order until further notice. To help flush your home’s plumbing system with fresh, chlorinated water, please run your outdoor spigot for ten minutes. For more information, view the MassDEP Boil Order Fact Sheet.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us using the form below. You may also call us at 1-800-732-9678 during our Call Center hours, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We may use the contact information you provide to follow up with you regarding this emergency response effort.

Your Name

Service Information

Contact Information

Inquiry Information

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Town Administrator Updates

View updates from the Town of Boxford on the Andrews Farm water emergency, including restoration progress, safety notices, and available resident resources.
View Updates