D29/100
South Hadley Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 21,000 residents · Massachusetts
What's In South Hadley's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 224.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.004 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2013.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
SOUTH HADLEY FD #1 (MWRA)
Population Served
14,800
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
MA1275000
SOUTH HADLEY FIRE DISTRICT #2 WATER DEPT
Population Served
6,200
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
MA1275001
Frequently Asked Questions About South Hadley Water
Is South Hadley tap water safe to drink?
South Hadley, Massachusetts tap water receives a grade of D (29/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 71 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in South Hadley's water?
Of the 72 contaminants tested in South Hadley's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does South Hadley have any water quality violations?
Yes, South Hadley has 71 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2017. Violation types include TT, MCL, MR. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South Hadley?
South Hadley water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does South Hadley's tap water come from?
South Hadley's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SOUTH HADLEY FD #1 (MWRA) and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 21,000 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is South Hadley's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. South Hadley's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does South Hadley's water compare to other cities in Massachusetts?
South Hadley's water quality score of 29/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Massachusetts state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about South Hadley's water quality?
If you have concerns about South Hadley's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (SOUTH HADLEY FD #1 (MWRA)) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.