Is Sheffield, CT 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 ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Sheffield, CT — Water Quality Report
Sheffield's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,412 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 13 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sheffield's water
Sheffield ranks #6 out of 158 cities in Connecticut for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sheffield 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, Sheffield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sheffield, CT water safe to drink?
Sheffield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,412 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sheffield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sheffield's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sheffield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sheffield's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,412 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sheffield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sheffield'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sheffield compares by contaminant
Explore where Sheffield ranks among all Connecticut cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sheffield's water comes from
Sheffield'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 1,412 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Sheffield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AQUARION WATER COMPANY | MA1267000 | 987 | GW |
| BERKSHIRE SCHOOL | MA1267001 | 425 | GW |
How Sheffield compares
Full Connecticut rankings →Sheffield's score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 47/100 among major Connecticut cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Connecticut rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sheffield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is Sheffield, CT tap water safe to drink?
Sheffield's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #6 out of 158 cities tested in Connecticut.
What contaminants are in Sheffield's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Sheffield'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 Sheffield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,412 residents.
What health violations has Sheffield's water system had?
Sheffield 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sheffield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sheffield 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 13 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 Sheffield's water compare to other cities?
Sheffield ranks #6 out of 158 cities in Connecticut (better than 96% of state cities) and #2920 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.