Is East Brookfield, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.4/100
waterverge.com East Brookfield, MA — Water Quality Report
East Brookfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,526 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.8 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 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Brookfield's water
East Brookfield ranks #106 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
East 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, East Brookfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Brookfield, MA water safe to drink?
East Brookfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,526 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Brookfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Brookfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.4/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Brookfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Brookfield's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 East Brookfield's water come from?
East Brookfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,526 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 East Brookfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
East 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 East Brookfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East 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 | 3.2 mi |
KANZAKI SPECIALTY PAPERS INC. WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
QUABBIN WIRE & CABLE CO INC WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
INCOM INC. CHARLTON, MA01507 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
DAUPHINAIS CONCRETE INC. CHARLTON, MA01507 | — | — | 6.4 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. | 4.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Brookfield compares by contaminant
Explore where East Brookfield ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Brookfield's water comes from
East 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 1,526 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Brookfield
East 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 East Brookfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT | MA2084000 | 1,526 | GW |
How East Brookfield compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →East Brookfield's score of 85.4/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About East Brookfield, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Brookfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is East Brookfield, MA tap water safe to drink?
East Brookfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #106 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in East Brookfield's water?
Lead was measured at 4.8 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is East 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 East Brookfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Brookfield's water come from?
East Brookfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,526 residents.
What health violations has East Brookfield's water system had?
East Brookfield has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Brookfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East 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 8 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 East Brookfield's water compare to other cities?
East Brookfield ranks #106 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 62% of state cities) and #5350 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Brookfield's small water system affect quality?
East Brookfield's system serves approximately 1,526 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.