Water Quality: South Deerfield, MA
2 water systems • 4,700 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
South Deerfield is served by 2 public water systems with a combined service population of 4,700 people, and has 26 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 5 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. South Deerfield's violation count is 19% below the national average for Massachusetts. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli.
Contaminants Found
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Water Systems Serving South Deerfield
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH DEERFIELD WATER SUPPLY DISTRICT | MA1074001 | Surface Water | 3,800 | 8 |
| WHATELY WATER DEPARTMENT | MA1337010 | Groundwater | 900 | 18 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Massachusetts
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.