Is Sunderland, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.7/100
waterverge.com Sunderland, MA — Water Quality Report
Sunderland's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,778 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 237 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sunderland's water
Sunderland ranks #185 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sunderland 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sunderland, MA water safe to drink?
Sunderland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,778 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sunderland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sunderland's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
Contaminants: Arsenic.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR), E. COLI.
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 Sunderland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sunderland's water system has 237 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
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 Millers River, South River, Deerfield River, Connecticut River, Avery Brook Nr Whately.
Where does Sunderland's water come from?
Sunderland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,778 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Millers River (river), South River (river), Deerfield River (river), Connecticut River (river), Avery Brook Nr Whately (river).
What Sunderland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sunderland'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Sunderland'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
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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sunderland compares by contaminant
Explore where Sunderland ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sunderland's water comes from
Sunderland'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 3,778 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Sunderland
Sunderland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sunderland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNDERLAND WATER DISTRICT | MA1289000 | 3,190 | GW |
| CLIFFSIDE APARTMENTS | MA1289001 | 500 | GW |
| POND RIDGE CONDO ASSN | MA1289002 | 88 | GW |
How Sunderland compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →Sunderland's score of 78.7/100 is on par with the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About Sunderland, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sunderland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunderland, MA tap water safe to drink?
Sunderland's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #185 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in Sunderland's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 237 violations are on record.
How is Sunderland'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 Sunderland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sunderland's water come from?
Sunderland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,778 residents.
What health violations has Sunderland's water system had?
Sunderland has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sunderland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sunderland 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 237 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 Sunderland's water compare to other cities?
Sunderland ranks #185 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 34% of state cities) and #8568 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.