WaterVerge

Is Stockbridge, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 4 water systems PWSID: MA1283003
Overall Score
83.5 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#129 of 280 in Massachusetts Top 41% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.5/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.5/100

Stockbridge, MA — Water Quality Report

Stockbridge's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,100 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 124 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Stockbridge's water

Stockbridge ranks #129 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Stockbridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.5 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.5/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Stockbridge, MA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Stockbridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

11
Active Violations
2.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stockbridge

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stockbridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE LEE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Stockbridge's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Stockbridge's water system has 124 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

MROtherMONTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2019 TTHM Resolved
Apr 2019 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2018 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2017 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

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 Housatonic River, Green River, Rawson Brook.

HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3599
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3350
TROPICAL STORM IRENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4028

Where does Stockbridge's water come from?

Stockbridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Housatonic River (river), Green River (river), Rawson Brook (river).

What Stockbridge residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stockbridge's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Stockbridge'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 16% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

124
Total violations
15
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Oct 2019
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

124 Total
11 Active
15 Health-based
113 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
34
Total Coliform Rule
18
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2015 Active
E. COLI
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Apr 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2019
Apr 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2019
Jul 2018 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2018
Apr 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Apr 2017
Jun 2016 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2016
Mar 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2016
Feb 2016 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 2016
Showing 20 of 124 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2023
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

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.

Sep 2023
HURRICANE LEE
Hurricane FEMA #3599
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3350
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4028
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3330
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3252
Apr 1987
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #790

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.6 ppb from 1993 (7.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,100
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Groundwater
3
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Stockbridge's water comes from

Surface Water

Stockbridge'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 3,100 people through 4 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Stockbridge

Stockbridge is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Housatonic River
river
Green River
river
Rawson Brook
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stockbridge

System Name PWSID Population Source
STOCKBRIDGE WATER DEPT MA1283003 2,800 SW
WHITE PINES CONDOMINIUMS MA1283015 225 GW
HERON POND AT STOCKBRIDGE MA1283017 50 GW
ORONOQUE CONDOMINIUM TRUST MA1283019 25 GW
Regional Comparison

How Stockbridge compares

Full Massachusetts rankings →

Stockbridge's score of 83.5/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Stockbridge (this city)
83.5
Boston
76.8
Worcester
78.9
Beverly
87.5
Massachusetts avg
80
City Profile

About Stockbridge, MA

Economic Profile
$74,333
Median Income
$557,774
Median Home Value
$928/mo
Median Rent
8.1%
Unemployment
Community
61.9
Median Age
33
People / sq mi
51.7%
College Educated
71%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Stockbridge, MA tap water safe to drink?

Stockbridge's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.

What contaminants are in Stockbridge's water?

Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 124 violations are on record.

How is Stockbridge'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 Stockbridge?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Stockbridge's water come from?

Stockbridge's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,100 residents.

What health violations has Stockbridge's water system had?

Stockbridge has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

How does Stockbridge's water compare to other cities?

Stockbridge ranks #129 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 54% of state cities) and #6393 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.