Hampden County, Massachusetts: drinking water report. Hampden County in western Massachusetts has a population of about 465,000, centered on Springfield.
Hampden County in western Massachusetts has a population of about 465,000, centered on Springfield. The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission draws from Cobble Mountain Reservoir, a protected watershed in the Berkshire foothills that delivers some of the highest-quality source water in the state. Smaller communities in the county use a mix of local reservoirs and groundwater wells. The Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield adds a military dimension to the county's water quality picture.
Barnes Air National Guard Base has confirmed PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foam use. According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's 2024 PFAS monitoring report, groundwater samples near the base showed PFOS concentrations exceeding 100 ppt – well above Massachusetts' MCL of 20 ppt for the sum of six PFAS compounds. Several private wells in the Westfield area near the base have been provided with alternative water supplies.
Springfield's Cobble Mountain source is well-protected, but the city's aging distribution infrastructure introduces risks between the reservoir and the tap. Lead service lines remain in older neighborhoods, and a 2023 MassDEP compliance review noted that Springfield's 90th percentile lead levels, while below the action level, have not declined as fast as in other Massachusetts cities that have invested more heavily in service line replacement.
Where you live in Hampden County determines your risk profile. Springfield residents on the Cobble Mountain system face different concerns (lead in distribution) than Westfield residents near Barnes ANGB (PFAS in groundwater).
Check your water to see what has been detected in your service area. For lead in older Springfield homes, run taps before drinking and consider a certified pitcher filter. For PFAS near Barnes, reverse osmosis is the most effective option. Our water filter guide addresses both contaminant types. Get your detailed report for trends, and visit our Massachusetts page for statewide data.