Is Granby, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75.9/100
waterverge.com Granby, MA — Water Quality Report
Granby's drinking water received a grade of B (75.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 727 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 226 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Granby's water
Granby ranks #208 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Granby 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, Granby may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Granby, MA water safe to drink?
Granby's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 727 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Granby
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Granby's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.9/100).
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: 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 Granby'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
Granby's water system has 226 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
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 Fort River, Mill River, Connecticut R, Chicopee River.
Where does Granby's water come from?
Granby's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 727 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fort River (river), Mill River (river), Connecticut R (river), Chicopee River (river).
What Granby residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Granby'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.
Granby'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 Granby
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Granby, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CULPEPER OF BELCHERTOWN LLC BELCHERTOWN, MA01007 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
UFP BELCHERTOWN LLC BELCHERTOWN, MA01007 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
SOLENIS LLC CHICOPEE, MA01013 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
CALLAWAY GOLF BALL OPERATIONS INC CHICOPEE, MA01013 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
INTERNATIONAL METAL PRODUCTS CORP CHICOPEE, MA01013 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHampshire 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Granby'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 2.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Granby compares by contaminant
Explore where Granby ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Granby's water comes from
Granby'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 private ownership and serves approximately 727 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Granby
Granby is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Granby
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THE MACDUFFIE SCHOOL | MA1111001 | 305 | GW |
| GRANBY HEIGHTS CONDOMINIUMS | MA1111003 | 152 | GW |
| BACHELOR KNOLLS | MA1111000 | 101 | GW |
| CRESCENT VALLEY CONDOS | MA1111025 | 78 | GW |
| GRANBY HOUSING AUTHORITY | MA1111002 | 61 | GW |
| HILLSIDE HEIGHTS OF GRANBY | MA1111039 | 30 | GW |
How Granby compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Granby's score of 75.9/100 is on par with 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 Granby, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Granby's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hampshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Granby, MA tap water safe to drink?
Granby's water quality earned a grade of B (75.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #208 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Granby's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 226 violations are on record.
How is Granby'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 Granby?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Granby's water come from?
Granby's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 727 residents.
What health violations has Granby's water system had?
Granby has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
Is Granby's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Granby 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 226 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 Granby's water compare to other cities?
Granby ranks #208 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 26% of state cities) and #9456 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.