Is Chester, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63.8/100
waterverge.com Chester, MA — Water Quality Report
Chester's drinking water received a grade of C (63.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.7 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 143 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chester's water
Chester ranks #249 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Chester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chester, MA water safe to drink?
Chester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chester's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Chester'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
Chester's water system has 143 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hampden County has experienced 8 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 Westfield River, Walker Brook, West Branch Westfield River.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Westfield River (river), Walker Brook (river), West Branch Westfield River (river).
What Chester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chester'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Chester'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 droughtHampden 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
Hampden County has experienced 8 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 Chester'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. | 4.7 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.700 mg/L (2009)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Chester compares by contaminant
Explore where Chester ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chester's water comes from
Chester's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chester
Chester is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Chester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTER WATER DEPT | MA1059000 | 750 | SW |
How Chester compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Chester's score of 63.8/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Chester, MA
Wikipedia →Chester is a town in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States, situated in Western Massachusetts. It is part of the Springfield metropolitan statistical area. The town includes the Chester Factory Village Historic District. The total population was 1,228 in the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hampden
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester, MA tap water safe to drink?
Chester's water quality earned a grade of C (63.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #249 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Chester's water?
Lead was measured at 4.7 ppb (90th percentile). 143 violations are on record.
How is Chester'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 Chester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Chester's water system had?
Chester has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chester's water compare to other cities?
Chester ranks #249 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 11% of state cities) and #11720 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chester's small water system affect quality?
Chester's system serves approximately 750 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 143 violations on record.