Is Cheshire, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Cheshire, MA — Water Quality Report
Cheshire's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,987 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 49 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cheshire's water
Cheshire ranks #92 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cheshire 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, Cheshire may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cheshire, MA water safe to drink?
Cheshire's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,987 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cheshire
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cheshire's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Cheshire's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cheshire's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Berkshire 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 Cold River, East Branch Housatonic River, Hoosic River, North Branch Hoosic River, Green River.
Where does Cheshire's water come from?
Cheshire's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,987 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cold River (river), East Branch Housatonic River (river), Hoosic River (river), North Branch Hoosic River (river), Green River (river).
What Cheshire residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cheshire'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.
Cheshire'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 Cheshire
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cheshire, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 6 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPECIALTY MINERALS INC ADAMS, MA01220 | Lead compounds | 6 | 6.1 mi |
O'CONNELL OIL CO MERRILL ROAD FACILITY PITTSFIELD, MA01201 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
PITTSFIELD GENERATING CO LP PITTSFIELD, MA01201 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
BERKSHIRE CONCRETE CORP PITTSFIELD, MA01201 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
HOLLAND CO ADAMS, MA01220 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cheshire
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- ROSE DISPOSAL PIT6.9 mi
- GE HOUSATONIC RIVER8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Berkshire 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cheshire's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cheshire compares by contaminant
Explore where Cheshire ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cheshire's water comes from
Cheshire'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 1,987 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Cheshire
Cheshire is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cheshire
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESHIRE WATER DEPT | MA1058000 | 1,407 | GW |
| HUTCHINSON WATER LLC | MA1058001 | 400 | GW |
| BERKSHIRE ESTATES | MA1058002 | 180 | GW |
How Cheshire compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Cheshire's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Cheshire, MA
Wikipedia →Cheshire is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,258 at the 2020 census. It contains the census-designated place of the same name.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cheshire's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheshire, MA tap water safe to drink?
Cheshire's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #92 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Cheshire's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Cheshire'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 Cheshire?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cheshire's water come from?
Cheshire's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,987 residents.
What health violations has Cheshire's water system had?
Cheshire has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cheshire's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cheshire 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 49 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 Cheshire's water compare to other cities?
Cheshire ranks #92 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 67% of state cities) and #4715 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.