Is Lanesborough, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.4/100
waterverge.com Lanesborough, MA — Water Quality Report
Lanesborough's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,349 residents using purchased surface water.
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 49 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lanesborough's water
Lanesborough ranks #44 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, Lanesborough may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lanesborough, MA water safe to drink?
Lanesborough's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,349 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lanesborough
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lanesborough's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Lanesborough's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lanesborough's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 9 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, Hoosic River, Kinderhook Creek.
Where does Lanesborough's water come from?
Lanesborough's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,349 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Housatonic River (river), Hoosic River (river), Kinderhook Creek (river).
What Lanesborough residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lanesborough'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.
Lanesborough'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 Lanesborough compares by contaminant
Explore where Lanesborough ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lanesborough's water comes from
Lanesborough'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,349 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lanesborough
Lanesborough is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lanesborough
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LANESBOROUGH FIRE AND WATER DISTRICT | MA1148000 | 2,324 | SWP |
| GREYLOCK ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | MA1148008 | 25 | GW |
How Lanesborough compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Lanesborough's score of 89.4/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Lanesborough, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lanesborough's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Lanesborough, MA tap water safe to drink?
Lanesborough's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Lanesborough's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Lanesborough'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 Lanesborough?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lanesborough's water come from?
Lanesborough's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,349 residents.
What health violations has Lanesborough's water system had?
Lanesborough has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lanesborough's water compare to other cities?
Lanesborough ranks #44 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 84% of state cities) and #2841 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.