Is Erving, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Erving, MA — Water Quality Report
Erving's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 residents using groundwater.
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 6 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Erving's water
Erving ranks #26 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Erving 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, Erving may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Erving, MA water safe to drink?
Erving's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 561 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Erving
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Erving's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Erving's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Erving's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Connecticut River, Millers River, West Branch Swift River.
Where does Erving's water come from?
Erving's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 561 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Connecticut River (river), Millers River (river), West Branch Swift River (river).
What Erving residents can do
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.
Erving'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 droughtFranklin 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
Franklin 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 Erving compares by contaminant
Explore where Erving ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Erving's water comes from
Erving'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 561 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Erving
Erving is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Erving
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERVING WATER DEPT | MA1091000 | 561 | GW |
How Erving compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Erving's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Erving, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Erving's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Erving, MA tap water safe to drink?
Erving's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #26 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Erving's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Erving'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 Erving?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Erving's water come from?
Erving's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 561 residents.
What health violations has Erving's water system had?
Erving has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Erving's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Erving 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 6 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 Erving's water compare to other cities?
Erving ranks #26 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 91% of state cities) and #1891 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Erving's small water system affect quality?
Erving's system serves approximately 561 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 6 violations on record.