Where Does Westfield's Water Come From?
Water Source
Granville Reservoir and Montgomery Reservoir
Westfield draws its drinking water from the Granville Reservoir and Montgomery Reservoir in the Westfield River watershed. The city also has a connection to the Springfield water system as emergency backup. Westfield's industrial history, including manufacturing and the Barnes Air National Guard Base, adds complexity to its water quality picture.
What's in Westfield's Water?
Based on water quality reports, testing data, and environmental assessments, these are the contaminants of concern for Westfield residents:
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Status: Detected near Barnes ANGB
PFAS from historical use of AFFF firefighting foam at Barnes Air National Guard Base have been detected in monitoring wells. The contamination plume is being tracked by the Massachusetts DEP and military environmental teams.
HAA5 (Haloacetic Acids)
Status: Seasonal concern
Surface water treatment from the Granville and Montgomery reservoirs creates seasonal HAA5 byproducts, particularly during summer months.
Lead
Status: Risk in older neighborhoods
Westfield's downtown and older residential areas have housing stock dating to the early 1900s, with potential lead service lines and fixtures.
Volatile Organic Compounds
Status: Historical industrial sites
Westfield's manufacturing history includes sites that used industrial solvents. While not directly in the drinking supply, groundwater contamination from these sites is monitored.
Health Risks for Westfield Residents
According to the EPA and Environmental Working Group (EWG), prolonged exposure to contaminants found in Westfield's water may increase risk of:
- • PFAS Accumulation: PFAS don't break down and accumulate in the body over time, linked to thyroid disease, cancer, and immune effects
- • Cancer Risk: HAA5 and VOCs from industrial history both carry cancer risk with long-term exposure
- • Lead Exposure: No safe level of lead, especially critical for children and pregnant women
📍 Westfield Local Tip
Westfield residents near Barnes Air National Guard Base (the southeast side of town) — PFAS contamination is a real concern in your area. If you have a private well, get it tested for PFAS immediately. Even on municipal water, an RO system provides an important extra layer of protection.
Also check water quality for nearby towns: Springfield · Holyoke · West Springfield · Northampton
The Solution: Reverse Osmosis Filtration
Standard pitcher filters (like Brita) are not effective at removing PFAS or most contaminants found in Westfield's water. Water quality experts recommend a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system that can remove up to 99% of dissolved contaminants.
Why RO Works for Westfield Water:
- ✓ Removes 99%+ of PFAS, HAA5, 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 Westfield
APEC ROES-50
A reliable, no-frills workhorse — perfect for Westfield families on a budget.
- • 5-Stage filtration system
- • Removes up to 99% of contaminants including PFAS
- • 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 Westfield's water.
- • 6-Stage with alkaline remineralization
- • Water tastes like natural spring water
- • See-through housing shows filter condition
- • Top-rated by Westfield area homeowners
Waterdrop G3P800
The modern, space-saving tankless choice for Westfield 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 Westfield home
View Installation Guide →Frequently Asked Questions — Westfield Water
Is Westfield MA water safe to drink?
Westfield's municipal water generally meets federal standards, but PFAS detection near Barnes ANGB and seasonal HAA5 from surface water treatment are concerns. Private well owners near the base should test their water independently.
Is there PFAS contamination from Barnes Air National Guard Base?
Yes, PFAS compounds have been detected in groundwater near Barnes ANGB from historical use of AFFF firefighting foam. The military and Mass DEP are monitoring the contamination plume. Municipal water supply wells are tested regularly.
Where does Westfield get its water?
Westfield draws from the Granville and Montgomery reservoirs in the Westfield River watershed, with an emergency connection to Springfield's system. The surface water is treated at the city's water treatment facility before distribution.
Do I need a water filter in Westfield?
Given the PFAS concerns, seasonal HAA5, and lead risk in older homes, a reverse osmosis system is a smart investment for Westfield residents. It's especially important for homes near Barnes ANGB or in older downtown neighborhoods.
Sources
- • Westfield Water Department Annual Water Quality Report (2024)
- • Department of Defense PFAS Investigation — Barnes ANGB
- • Massachusetts DEP PFAS Monitoring Program
- • Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database