Where Does Pittsfield's Water Come From?
Water Source
Ashley Lake, Cleveland Reservoir, Farnham Reservoir, and Upper Sackett Reservoir
Pittsfield's water comes from a network of local reservoirs in the Berkshire Hills. However, the city's water story is inseparable from the legacy of General Electric's transformer manufacturing, which contaminated the Housatonic River and surrounding areas with PCBs — one of the largest Superfund sites in New England.
What's in Pittsfield's Water?
Based on water quality reports, testing data, and environmental assessments, these are the contaminants of concern for Pittsfield residents:
PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls)
Status: Legacy contamination — Housatonic River
General Electric discharged an estimated 600,000+ pounds of PCBs into the Housatonic River from the 1930s through 1977. While the drinking water supply draws from separate reservoirs, PCB-contaminated soil and groundwater remain a persistent environmental health concern.
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Status: Detected in monitoring
PFAS have been detected in Pittsfield's water system at low levels. Industrial history and fire station AFFF use contribute to PFAS presence in the broader environment.
Lead
Status: Risk — Victorian-era infrastructure
Pittsfield has extensive Victorian-era housing stock with potential lead service lines and lead-based plumbing. The city's older neighborhoods are particularly at risk.
HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids)
Status: Seasonal fluctuations
Surface water treatment from local reservoirs creates seasonal spikes in disinfection byproducts, particularly during warm summer months when organic matter increases.
Health Risks for Pittsfield Residents
According to the EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG), prolonged exposure to contaminants found in Pittsfield's water may increase risk of:
- • Cancer: PCBs are classified as probable human carcinogens. Even environmental exposure (not just drinking water) poses risk
- • Neurological Damage: PCBs and lead both cause neurological harm, particularly dangerous for children's developing brains
- • Reproductive & Immune Effects: PCBs and PFAS are both linked to reproductive problems and immune system disruption
📍 Pittsfield Local Tip
Pittsfield residents — the GE/PCB situation affects more than just the Housatonic. If you garden, fish, or recreate near the river, contaminated soil and floodplain exposure are additional pathways. For drinking water specifically, homes in the Morningside and West Side neighborhoods have some of the oldest plumbing. The city offers free water testing — take advantage of it.
Also check water quality for nearby towns: Northampton · Westfield
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Standard pitcher filters (like Brita) are not effective at removing PCBs or most contaminants found in Pittsfield's water. Water quality experts recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants.
Why RO Works for Pittsfield Water:
- ✓ Removes 99%+ of PCBs, 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 Pittsfield
APEC ROES-50
A reliable, no-frills workhorse — perfect for Pittsfield families on a budget.
- • 5-Stage filtration system
- • Removes up to 99% of contaminants including PCBs
- • 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 Pittsfield's water.
- • 6-Stage with alkaline remineralization
- • Water tastes like natural spring water
- • See-through housing shows filter condition
- • Top-rated by Pittsfield area homeowners
Waterdrop G3P800
The modern, space-saving tankless choice for Pittsfield 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 Pittsfield home
View Installation Guide →Frequently Asked Questions — Pittsfield Water
Is Pittsfield water safe to drink?
Pittsfield's drinking water comes from reservoirs separate from the contaminated Housatonic River, and generally meets federal standards. However, the city's industrial history, aging infrastructure, and detected contaminants make home filtration a wise investment.
Are PCBs in Pittsfield drinking water?
The drinking water supply draws from reservoirs separate from the Housatonic River, so direct PCB contamination of tap water is not the primary concern. However, PCBs in soil and groundwater throughout the city create environmental exposure risks, and a RO system provides peace of mind.
What happened with GE and the Housatonic River?
From the 1930s to 1977, GE's transformer plant discharged an estimated 600,000+ pounds of PCBs into the Housatonic River. It became one of the largest Superfund cleanup sites in New England. Cleanup efforts are ongoing but contamination extends for miles downstream.
Should I filter my water in Pittsfield?
Yes. Between potential lead from old infrastructure, detected PFAS, seasonal HAA5, and the broader PCB environmental contamination, a reverse osmosis system provides comprehensive protection for Pittsfield families.
Sources
- • Pittsfield Water Department Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
- • EPA Superfund Site: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River
- • Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database
- • Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Water Resources