Is Northfield, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Northfield, MA — Water Quality Report
Northfield's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,459 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 128 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Northfield's water
Northfield ranks #111 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Northfield 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, Northfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Northfield, MA water safe to drink?
Northfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,459 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Northfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Northfield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Northfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Northfield's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
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 Ashuelot River, Connecticut River, Millers River.
Where does Northfield's water come from?
Northfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,459 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ashuelot River (river), Connecticut River (river), Millers River (river).
What Northfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Northfield'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.
Northfield'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 Northfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Northfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BETE FOG NOZZLE INC. GREENFIELD, MA01301 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
KRINGLE CANDLE BERNARDSTON, MA01337 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
HART & COOLEY LLC TURNERS FALLS, MA01376 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
CHARTER NEXT GENERATION - TURNERS FALLS TURNERS FALLS, MA01376 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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 Northfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Northfield ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Northfield's water comes from
Northfield'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 1,459 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Northfield
Northfield is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Northfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NORTHFIELD WATER DISTRICT | MA1217000 | 800 | GW |
| EAST NORTHFIELD WATER CO | MA1217001 | 659 | SW |
How Northfield compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Northfield's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Northfield, MA
Wikipedia →Northfield is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. Northfield was first settled in 1673. The population was 2,866 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Springfield metropolitan area, Massachusetts. The Connecticut River runs through the town, dividing West Northfield from East Northfield and the village of Northfield, where the town hall is located.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Northfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Northfield, MA tap water safe to drink?
Northfield's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #111 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Northfield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Northfield'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 Northfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Northfield's water come from?
Northfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,459 residents.
What health violations has Northfield's water system had?
Northfield has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Northfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Northfield 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 128 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 Northfield's water compare to other cities?
Northfield ranks #111 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 60% of state cities) and #5466 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.