Is Bernardston, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.8/100
waterverge.com Bernardston, MA — Water Quality Report
Bernardston's drinking water received a grade of B (79.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,462 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 214 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bernardston's water
Bernardston ranks #173 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bernardston relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bernardston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bernardston, MA water safe to drink?
Bernardston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,462 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bernardston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bernardston's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, CHLOROBENZENE.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Toluene, o-Dichlorobenzene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3350). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bernardston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bernardston's water system has 214 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Ashuelot River, Connecticut River, Millers River, South River, Deerfield River.
Where does Bernardston's water come from?
Bernardston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,462 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ashuelot River (river), Connecticut River (river), Millers River (river), South River (river), Deerfield River (river).
What Bernardston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bernardston's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Bernardston's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtFranklin County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Franklin County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bernardston compares by contaminant
Explore where Bernardston ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bernardston's water comes from
Bernardston's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,462 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bernardston
Bernardston is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bernardston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BERNARDSTON FIRE WATER DIST | MA1029000 | 1,462 | GW |
How Bernardston compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Bernardston's score of 79.8/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Bernardston, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bernardston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Bernardston, MA tap water safe to drink?
Bernardston's water quality earned a grade of B (79.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #173 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Bernardston's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 214 violations are on record.
How is Bernardston's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Bernardston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bernardston's water come from?
Bernardston's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,462 residents.
What health violations has Bernardston's water system had?
Bernardston has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bernardston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bernardston uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 214 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bernardston's water compare to other cities?
Bernardston ranks #173 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 38% of state cities) and #8140 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bernardston's small water system affect quality?
Bernardston's system serves approximately 1,462 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 214 violations on record.