Where Does Chicopee's Water Come From?
Water Source
Quabbin Reservoir via MWRA connection and local sources
Chicopee has a unique water supply arrangement. The city operates its own water department drawing from local surface water sources, and also has a connection to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) system fed by the Quabbin Reservoir. This dual-source approach provides redundancy but introduces different water quality profiles.
What's in Chicopee's Water?
Based on water quality reports, testing data, and environmental assessments, these are the contaminants of concern for Chicopee residents:
HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids)
Status: Detected in local treatment
Chicopee's local water treatment creates disinfection byproducts. Levels have approached regulatory limits during warm weather months when organic matter increases.
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Status: Monitoring near Westover ARB
Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee is a potential PFAS source due to historical use of AFFF firefighting foam. Groundwater monitoring is ongoing in surrounding areas.
Lead
Status: Risk in older neighborhoods
Chicopee's older neighborhoods, particularly near downtown and Chicopee Falls, have housing stock dating to the 1800s. Lead service lines and lead fixtures remain a concern.
Nitrates
Status: Seasonal elevation
Agricultural land use in the Connecticut River valley contributes to seasonal nitrate levels in local water sources, particularly concerning for infant health.
Health Risks for Chicopee Residents
According to the EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG), prolonged exposure to contaminants found in Chicopee's water may increase risk of:
- • Cancer: HAA5 and PFAS are both linked to increased cancer risk with prolonged exposure
- • Immune Disruption: PFAS from Westover ARB can suppress immune function and reduce vaccine effectiveness
- • Infant Risk: Nitrates are especially dangerous for infants under 6 months, causing "blue baby syndrome"
📍 Chicopee Local Tip
Chicopee residents near Westover Air Reserve Base (especially the Willimansett neighborhood) should be particularly aware of PFAS concerns. The military has been conducting environmental assessments, but contamination plumes can spread far through groundwater. If you have a private well, get it tested for PFAS.
Also check water quality for nearby towns: Springfield · Holyoke · Agawam
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Standard pitcher filters (like Brita) are not effective at removing HAA5 or most contaminants found in Chicopee's water. Water quality experts recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants.
Why RO Works for Chicopee Water:
- ✓ Removes 99%+ of HAA5, PFAS, Lead
- ✓ Uses semi-permeable membrane to filter at molecular level
- ✓ Fits under your kitchen sink — no major renovation needed
- ✓ Provides clean drinking and cooking water on demand
- ✓ NSF-certified systems are independently tested and verified
Top Recommended RO Systems for Chicopee
APEC ROES-50
A reliable, no-frills workhorse — perfect for Chicopee families on a budget.
- • 5-Stage filtration system
- • Removes up to 99% of contaminants including HAA5
- • Industry-standard parts (easy, affordable replacements)
- • Excellent long-term track record with thousands of reviews
iSpring RCC7AK
Best for taste — adds healthy minerals back after filtering Chicopee's water.
- • 6-Stage with alkaline remineralization
- • Water tastes like natural spring water
- • See-through housing shows filter condition
- • Top-rated by Chicopee area homeowners
Waterdrop G3P800
The modern, space-saving tankless choice for Chicopee homes.
- • Tankless design saves cabinet space
- • 800 GPD flow rate (fills a cup in seconds)
- • Smart faucet displays real-time water quality
- • Easy twist-and-pull filter changes — no plumber needed
Ready to Install?
Step-by-step DIY installation guide — works for any Chicopee home
View Installation Guide →Frequently Asked Questions — Chicopee Water
Is Chicopee MA water safe to drink?
Chicopee water currently meets federal standards, but residents should be aware of HAA5 levels from local treatment, PFAS risks near Westover ARB, and lead potential in older homes. The MWRA connection provides high-quality backup water from Quabbin Reservoir.
Does Chicopee have PFAS contamination from Westover?
Westover Air Reserve Base has been identified as a potential PFAS source. The military is conducting environmental assessments. While public water supply wells are monitored, private wells near the base should be tested independently.
Is Chicopee connected to the MWRA?
Yes, Chicopee has an MWRA connection that supplements its local water supply. MWRA water from Quabbin Reservoir is generally considered high quality, though it still undergoes disinfection that can create byproducts.
What filter should Chicopee residents buy?
A reverse osmosis system handles all the contaminants of concern in Chicopee — HAA5, PFAS, lead, and nitrates. It's the most comprehensive single solution for household water quality.
Sources
- • Chicopee Water Department Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
- • Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database
- • Department of Defense PFAS Task Force — Westover ARB
- • Massachusetts DEP Drinking Water Program