Is Colchester, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.1/100
waterverge.com Colchester, MA — Water Quality Report
Colchester's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colchester's water
Colchester ranks #47 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it above average 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, Colchester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colchester, MA water safe to drink?
Colchester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 663 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Colchester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colchester's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Colchester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colchester's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hampshire 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 Avery Brook Nr Whately, Fort River, Mill River, Connecticut R.
Where does Colchester's water come from?
Colchester's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 663 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Avery Brook Nr Whately (river), Fort River (river), Mill River (river), Connecticut R (river).
What Colchester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colchester'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.
Colchester'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
Flood & disaster history
Hampshire 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colchester compares by contaminant
Explore where Colchester ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colchester's water comes from
Colchester'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 private ownership and serves approximately 663 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colchester
Colchester is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Colchester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTBURY PARK | VT0020466 | 663 | SWP |
How Colchester compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Colchester's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Colchester, MA
Wikipedia →The city of Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population of Northampton was 29,571.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colchester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chittenden
Frequently asked questions
Is Colchester, MA tap water safe to drink?
Colchester's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Colchester's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Colchester'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 Colchester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colchester's water come from?
Colchester's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 663 residents.
How does Colchester's water compare to other cities?
Colchester ranks #47 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 83% of state cities) and #3058 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colchester's small water system affect quality?
Colchester's system serves approximately 663 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 8 violations on record.