Is Brookfield, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Brookfield, MA — Water Quality Report
Brookfield's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,479 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 288 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brookfield's water
Brookfield ranks #179 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Brookfield 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, Brookfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brookfield, MA water safe to drink?
Brookfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,479 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brookfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brookfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brookfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brookfield's water system has 288 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam, Quinebaug R Bl Westville Dam Nr Southbridge, Sevenmile River.
Where does Brookfield's water come from?
Brookfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,479 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam (river), Quinebaug R Bl Westville Dam Nr Southbridge (river), Sevenmile River (river).
What Brookfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brookfield'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.
Brookfield'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Brookfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brookfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VIBRAM CORP NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA01535 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 3.8 mi |
KANZAKI SPECIALTY PAPERS INC. WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
QUABBIN WIRE & CABLE CO INC WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
INCOM INC. CHARLTON, MA01507 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
DAUPHINAIS CONCRETE INC. CHARLTON, MA01507 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWorcester 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
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brookfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Brookfield ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brookfield's water comes from
Brookfield'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 1,479 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Brookfield
Brookfield is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Brookfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT | MA2045000 | 1,008 | GW |
| WAGON WHEEL COMMUNITY, INC. | MA2045004 | 228 | GW |
| NANATOMQUA MOBILE HOME PARK | MA2045001 | 123 | GW |
| BROOKFIELD MEADOWS MHP | MA2045005 | 120 | GW |
How Brookfield compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Brookfield's score of 79.1/100 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 Brookfield, MA
Wikipedia →Brookfield is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Brookfield was first settled by Europeans in 1660. The population was 3,439 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brookfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is Brookfield, MA tap water safe to drink?
Brookfield's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #179 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Brookfield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 288 violations are on record.
How is Brookfield'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 Brookfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brookfield's water come from?
Brookfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,479 residents.
What health violations has Brookfield's water system had?
Brookfield has 17 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. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Brookfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brookfield 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 288 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 Brookfield's water compare to other cities?
Brookfield ranks #179 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 36% of state cities) and #8389 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.