Is West Brookfield, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.3/100
waterverge.com West Brookfield, MA — Water Quality Report
West Brookfield's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,527 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 261 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Brookfield's water
West Brookfield ranks #224 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
West Brookfield 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, West Brookfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Brookfield, MA water safe to drink?
West Brookfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,527 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Brookfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Brookfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4780). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Brookfield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Brookfield's water system has 261 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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 Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam, Ware River, Sevenmile River, Quaboag River.
Where does West Brookfield's water come from?
West Brookfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,527 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Quinebaug R Bl E Brimfield Dam (river), Ware River (river), Sevenmile River (river), Quaboag River (river).
What West Brookfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Brookfield'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.
West Brookfield'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 West Brookfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Brookfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 10 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VIBRAM CORP NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA01535 | Zinc compounds | 10 | 3.7 mi |
KANZAKI SPECIALTY PAPERS INC. WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
QUABBIN WIRE & CABLE CO INC WARE, MA01082 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
DAUPHINAIS CONCRETE INC. CHARLTON, MA01507 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
FLEXCON CO INC. SPENCER, MA01562 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWorcester 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
Worcester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1991. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Brookfield compares by contaminant
Explore where West Brookfield ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Brookfield's water comes from
West Brookfield'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 2,527 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near West Brookfield
West Brookfield is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Brookfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST BROOKFIELD WATER DEPARTMENT | MA2323000 | 2,477 | GW |
| MADDEN ESTATES | MA2323002 | 50 | GW |
How West Brookfield compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →West Brookfield's score of 71.3/100 is below the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About West Brookfield, MA
Wikipedia →West Brookfield is a town in Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 3,833 at the 2020 census. It contains the census-designated place of the same name. Lucy Stone was born in West Brookfield, and George and Charles Merriam, the publishers of Webster's Dictionary, were raised there.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Brookfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Worcester
Frequently asked questions
Is West Brookfield, MA tap water safe to drink?
West Brookfield's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #224 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in West Brookfield's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 261 violations are on record.
How is West Brookfield'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 West Brookfield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Brookfield's water come from?
West Brookfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,527 residents.
What health violations has West Brookfield's water system had?
West Brookfield has 28 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Brookfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Brookfield 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 261 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 West Brookfield's water compare to other cities?
West Brookfield ranks #224 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 20% of state cities) and #10574 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.