Is West Stockbridge, MA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.5/100
waterverge.com West Stockbridge, MA — Water Quality Report
West Stockbridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 8 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Stockbridge's water
West Stockbridge ranks #56 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
West Stockbridge 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 Stockbridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Stockbridge, MA water safe to drink?
West Stockbridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Stockbridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Stockbridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3599). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3350). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Stockbridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Stockbridge's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
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.
Where does West Stockbridge's water come from?
West Stockbridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 535 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Housatonic River (river), Green River (river).
What West Stockbridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Stockbridge'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 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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
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.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Stockbridge compares by contaminant
Explore where West Stockbridge ranks among all Massachusetts cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Stockbridge's water comes from
West Stockbridge'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 535 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Stockbridge
West Stockbridge is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Stockbridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST STOCKBRIDGE WATER DEPT | MA1326000 | 535 | GW |
How West Stockbridge compares
Full Massachusetts rankings →West Stockbridge's score of 88.5/100 is above the average of 80/100 among major Massachusetts cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Massachusetts rankings →About West Stockbridge, MA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Stockbridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berkshire
Frequently asked questions
Is West Stockbridge, MA tap water safe to drink?
West Stockbridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 280 cities tested in Massachusetts.
What contaminants are in West Stockbridge's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is West 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 West Stockbridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Stockbridge's water come from?
West Stockbridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 535 residents.
What health violations has West Stockbridge's water system had?
West Stockbridge has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Stockbridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Stockbridge 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 8 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 Stockbridge's water compare to other cities?
West Stockbridge ranks #56 out of 280 cities in Massachusetts (better than 80% of state cities) and #3447 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Stockbridge's small water system affect quality?
West Stockbridge's system serves approximately 535 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 8 violations on record.