C48/100
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 1,391 people · Massachusetts
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
MA1113003
Violations
29
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.55 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2021 – January 21, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
Frequently Asked Questions About HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS
Is HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS water safe to drink?
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 29 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS detected?
2 contaminants were tested in HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS's water. Notable contaminants include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS have any EPA violations?
Yes, HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS has 29 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2021. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 3 are health-based violations.
How many people does HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS serve?
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS serves approximately 1,391 people, Massachusetts. The system provides water to 1 community: Great Barrington.
What type of water does HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS provide?
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is MA1113003.
How does HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS compare to other utilities in Massachusetts?
HOUSATONIC WATER WORKS scores 48/100 with a grade of C (fair). This score indicates room for improvement compared to other utilities. Visit our Massachusetts state page for a full comparison of water systems.