Water Quality in South Barre, MA: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 40/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
South Barre's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
For households in South Barre, MA, the EPA compliance record offers a straightforward finding: 1 water system are on file, zero violations documented across the entire dataset, and no regulatory actions have been taken against any local utility under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act in any reporting period covered by available SDWIS data.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in South Barre
Water quality varies across South Barre's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01074 | D | 40 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
South Barre, Massachusetts receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving South Barre. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. South Barre's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for South Barre is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 95% of homes built before 1986, South Barre has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
South Barre is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving South Barre
South Barre is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,098 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
How to Check Your Water in South Barre
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
South Barre vs. Nearby Massachusetts Cities
How South Barre's water quality compares to similar cities in Massachusetts:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Barre | D | 0 | 1 | 4,098 |
| Petersham | D | 0 | 1 | 4,098 |
| West Groton | D | 0 | 1 | 4,121 |
| Westminster | C | 6 | 3 | 3,992 |
Common Questions About South Barre Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in South Barre, Massachusetts:
Is South Barre water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. South Barre's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink South Barre tap water? South Barre's water receives a grade of D (40/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for South Barre? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
South Barre vs. Massachusetts Average
Understanding how South Barre compares to the broader Massachusetts average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within South Barre.
ZIP Codes in South Barre
South Barre spans 1 ZIP code. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.