Is Hancock, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Hancock, MA — Water Quality Report
Hancock's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,160 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 24 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hancock's water
Hancock ranks #36 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hancock 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, Hancock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hancock, MA water safe to drink?
Hancock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,160 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hancock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hancock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Hancock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hancock's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Berkshire 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 East Branch Housatonic River, Kinderhook Creek.
Where does Hancock's water come from?
Hancock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,160 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Housatonic River (river), Kinderhook Creek (river).
What Hancock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hancock'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.
Hancock'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
Berkshire 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hancock compares by contaminant
Explore where Hancock ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hancock's water comes from
Hancock'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 1,160 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Hancock
Hancock is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hancock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JIMINY PEAK RESORT | MA1121004 | 1,000 | GW |
| BEAVER POND MEADOWS | MA1121011 | 160 | GW |
How Hancock compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Hancock's score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Hancock, MA
Wikipedia →Hancock is a town in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 757 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hancock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Hancock, MA tap water safe to drink?
Hancock's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Hancock's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Hancock'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 Hancock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hancock's water come from?
Hancock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,160 residents.
What health violations has Hancock's water system had?
Hancock has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hancock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hancock 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 24 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 Hancock's water compare to other cities?
Hancock ranks #36 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 87% of state cities) and #2596 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.