About 6 feet away from the road, there is a small shed made from local stone. Inside the shed, water bubbles up from the ground and is held in a stone tank. The spring house protects the water from sunlight and contamination. The water in the tank is deep enough to dip a glass 3 gallon water bottle into it and fill it up, larger bottles would not fit. The water is very cold (didn’t check temperature). Wear boots because sometimes the area surrounding the spring can be muddy.
Nearest Address
40 Canton Springs Road, Canton, Connecticut, 06019
Directions from Nearest Address
Just drive along Canton Springs road until you see the spring house on the side of the road. It is past the cemetary, near Oxbow Farm.
I have been very excited and interested in finding a spring to go but
unfortunately I have yet to find one in CT that hasn’t either been
closed or contains peoples comments that scare me away.One of my favorites is the comment stating that one of the springs is really just a pipe hooked up to a local cow pond! WTF!?
I haven’t even been able to find any clean or open springs in the surrounding states either, based on this database.
My goal in doing this is for improved health, as I would imagine is
everyone’s reason for doing this, so I would like to know that the water
that I am drinking is actually healthy.
Does anyone know of a spring that is truly clean and safe to drink from around here?
Directly uphill from spring is a housing complex that uses pesticides (had the little yellow warning signs up around the yards), we came to the area to get water but decided to hold of and look for one that had less of a chance of being tainted.. might be ok to drink I’m not sure how the runoff works with that situation but I didn’t feel like risking it
When I went to the spring the door was clean off its hinges with water flowing under it.
A frog jumped into the gross water which was full of algae and slime, but when I pushed that off the surface the water looked pretty clean. I wouldn’t drink it. Hopefully the town of Canton will do some type of volunteer project to clean it up. Also across the street there is another spring house but it looks brand new and it’s locked. If you look inside the window of that one you will see a hole in the concrete full of water this also looks polluted. But behind this spring house water is flowing out from under it that looks very clean and is cold. If anyone knows anything about either spring houses please let me know.
I haven't been to this spring for a while because I moved. I am sad to hear that it has become “a cesspool” as Dick described it. It used to have beautifully clear and cold flowing sweet water. I hope that whatever the issue with this spring is it will be resolved.
You will need more than boots to drink from this cesspool. Whatever path to the stone house there may have been is now blocked by three foot high weeds. The water gurgles out of the building under a poison ivy vine, and the door is broken and off its hinges. Inside the quaint stone house is a stagnant pool of water and leaves. I got some water from the stream running from under the house, thought twice about drinking it after thinking about toxic waste from the now abandoned industrial building close by. I fed it to my plants, which so far have not died. RAW Canton
If anyone knows another spring in the area, please let us know. I was unsure of this spring when I saw the farm nearby. Any info on local springs it greatly appreciated. Thanks.
It's a beautiful place, but I hate to say I mistrust the water as it is right now. If you had a good home filtration system then it would be perfect. However, as of February 28, 2010 the water is stagnant and had tadpoles and salamanders living in the holding tank. Will post photos soon.
I live 15 minutes from here too! I can't wait to visit. Thank you for letting us know. Does anyone know where to get some 3 gallon glass bottles locally? Thanks. Sheila
Thank you RawStrength for posting about this spring.. I just got back from my first visit ! I live only 15 miles away from this spring and am very thankful to find it. Even though the spring house is close to the road,the location is very peaceful. The water is cold and bubbling. I only took a few glass bottles with me because I was not sure what to expect but now I know you can at least fit a three Gal. Jug in there no problems!
I used to visit this spring about four or so years ago and it was my go to spring in the area. About three years ago I had a horrible experience, I collected my spring water like I often did and when I got home all my water smelt strongly of motor oil !! I don’t know if someone chucked there empty motor oil bottle because the road is literally 8 feet from the spring or….
So I stopped going to this spring, it’s a shame honestly because for years back when this was my go to spring and it was so clean!
Today it just looks run down and wouldn’t suggest anyone drinks the water.
I wish likeminded people would gather together and talk with more locals about preserving this spring and cleaning the area up.
With a good clean and construction and more local awareness this spring could again breath it’s beauty.
For people who are in search of a clean water source I visit Clearview springs. Search for the listing here… this has been my go to water source for three years and have been very happy.
I went to the spring about two hours ago and filled up two bottles. Maybe in my excitement to find a source. I skipped some of the comments. The water was pouring out underneath the door, but as it was running toward the road, it actually looked pretty clean so I felt comfortable getting it from, the grassy area where it had carved a path. I didn’t pay too much attention to the farm that’s nearby but if they are heavy and pesticide use then I’m not sure that this is a good source. I took two sips from the bottle as I was reading the comments and it tasted all well and good but now I’m sketched out and I’m going to use it to water plants. if anyone has any updates the situation of the spring I would certainly appreciate it.
It too bad there are no decent springs shown on this app in central CT. Thanks to others for sharing your findings even though it’s not good.
Strangely the only truly awesome spring I know of is in Haverhill NH, and I’m confused why it doesn’t even show up on this app. Do they publish only the worthless ones?
I just found an old ginger ale bottle labeled that its from the Massacoe Spring, in Canton Ct. (40 Canton Springs Road) —- was there a company who made ginger ale from the spring water?! The old bottle was at Goodwill in Avon……
Yes. This was the Gra-Rock Spring Water Company that made ginger ale and other sodas from late 1800’s until 1935 when it relocated to Wethersfield. Lots of ‘Gra-Rock’ history along the train line tied to the Canton Spring.
I live 15 minutes from here too! I can't wait to visit. Thank you for letting us know. Does anyone know where to get some 3 gallon glass bottles locally? Thanks. Sheila
Drinking pure spring water is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Our bodies are over 99% water at the molecular level, so water affects every aspect of our biology. Yet, not all water is created equal. Almost all the bottled spring water available is pasteurized for shelf stability, which neutralizes many of the powerful health benefits such as increased hydrogen, healthy probiotics, and crystalline structure. For more about why unprocessed spring water is the best water to drink, read this.
The best way to guarantee you are getting real unprocessed spring water is to collect it yourself. This is a short and simple guide filled with information about how to gather spring water. We will cover how to find a spring, how to collect the water, how to honor the spring, how to store the water properly and other tips.
FindASpring.org is the best resource for locating a spring near you. However, not all springs are on the map. First, check the map to see if there is a spring in your local area. If there is, look at the reviews and comments. Has anyone shared helpful information about flow rate or posted a water test result? Is the spring in a pristine area? Do a bit of research and make sure the spring is safe to drink from. If you have any doubt about the purity, don’t risk it and get a water test, HERE. If you don’t see a spring on the map in your area, there still might be some that aren’t listed yet. First, ask the older generation who have lived in your area a long time if they know. You can also ask people in your community who might already get spring water such as people at a health food store or at a farmers market. Another great option is to view A US forest service map, where many springs have been marked. You can view these maps through the Gaia GPS or All Trails hiking apps on your phone. The map overlay you want is USGS Topo. Not all are easily accessible or ideal for drinking, but some are and it can be a fun adventure to find them. We have found over half a dozen great springs this way.
Once you’ve found your spring, figure out how you are going to gather the water. Is it right on the side of the road and easy to access or do you have to hike to it? We recommend storing spring water in glass instead of plastic to preserve the purity of the water. It is better for the environment, your body, and the water. Even BPA free plastic has toxic chemicals that can leach into water and cause health issues. If you do want to use plastic for safety reasons when filling at the spring, we recommend transferring the water to glass as soon as possible. FindASpring is sponsored by Alive Waters, which offers beautiful reusable glass. They have a 2.5 gallon option, which is a convenient size for carrying that isn’t too heavy. They also sell handles that you can use to transport the jugs even more easily. If you have to hike to access the spring, we recommend putting the water jugs into an extra large backpack to hike the water out with ease. We use Osprey packs that hold 2 jugs each. You can also use a wheelbarrow or even a stroller depending on how easy a walk it is.
Filling 2.5 Gallon Alive Waters Jug
When you get to the spring, remember to first give back before you take. Springs are considered sacred in indigenous cultures around the world for their life giving water and also as a connection to the inner earth. A powerful and simple way to give back is to clean up. Is there any trash that needs to be collected? Could you move any dead leaves or sticks to improve the flow rate? Show up in service. Some other wonderful ways to give is with a moment of expressing verbal gratitude, singing songs to the water, offering the water an ethically sourced crystal, a feather, or some other physical gift. Flowers are a popular and beautiful thing to offer, but please be careful to source organic ones as most flowers from the store are sprayed with pesticides and can be toxic to put near a spring. Also, flowers can attract bugs as they decay, so it can be best to offer them to the flowing water directly or a little downstream from the spring head.
When gathering the water, fill the jug as close to the spring head as possible, never gather downstream. Be very careful as wet glass is extremely slippery. Make sure the lid is securely fastened. When transporting the spring water home, the jugs can sometimes slide around the car. Secure them in place or wrap them with towels or something so they don’t crash into each other.
How you store your spring water is essential. It is not pasteurized like spring water from the store, so it will start growing algae if left in direct sunlight. This is good because it means it’s alive! If the water you drink can’t even support the most basic life forms, how do you think it will support your body? Store your water in a cool, dark place such as a dark corner, pantry or closet. The fridge is ideal if you have room. Some people prefer to filter their water through a Berkey filter before drinking, but if the spring is pure, it’s not necessary. We drink our spring water completely unfiltered.
How long the water stays good for depends on how cold a temperature it’s stored at. Spring water is best fresh. We personally do not prefer to drink spring water past 2 weeks old. However, we know other people that will drink it at a month old. It’s great to get in a rhythm where you know how long the water lasts you and put your collection day on the calendar in advance.
I believe that water is calling us to reconnect with her in the deepest way, to gather our own water. Just like our ancestors did. Our ancestors didn’t have fancy water machines. They also didn’t create villages or settle where there was no water. Water was revered as the center of the community and the nodal point around which life could spiral out and take root.
Here’s to restoring the sacred connection with the waters of life.
Written by Dakota Chanel. Water Priestess and Ceremonialist. DakotaChanel.com
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Massacoe Spring, Canton, CT
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I have been very excited and interested in finding a spring to go but
unfortunately I have yet to find one in CT that hasn’t either been
closed or contains peoples comments that scare me away.One of my favorites is the comment stating that one of the springs is really just a pipe hooked up to a local cow pond! WTF!?
I haven’t even been able to find any clean or open springs in the surrounding states either, based on this database.
My goal in doing this is for improved health, as I would imagine is
everyone’s reason for doing this, so I would like to know that the water
that I am drinking is actually healthy.
Does anyone know of a spring that is truly clean and safe to drink from around here?
Directly uphill from spring is a housing complex that uses pesticides (had the little yellow warning signs up around the yards), we came to the area to get water but decided to hold of and look for one that had less of a chance of being tainted.. might be ok to drink I’m not sure how the runoff works with that situation but I didn’t feel like risking it
When I went to the spring the door was clean off its hinges with water flowing under it.
A frog jumped into the gross water which was full of algae and slime, but when I pushed that off the surface the water looked pretty clean. I wouldn’t drink it. Hopefully the town of Canton will do some type of volunteer project to clean it up. Also across the street there is another spring house but it looks brand new and it’s locked. If you look inside the window of that one you will see a hole in the concrete full of water this also looks polluted. But behind this spring house water is flowing out from under it that looks very clean and is cold. If anyone knows anything about either spring houses please let me know.
I haven't been to this spring for a while because I moved. I am sad to hear that it has become “a cesspool” as Dick described it. It used to have beautifully clear and cold flowing sweet water. I hope that whatever the issue with this spring is it will be resolved.
You will need more than boots to drink from this cesspool. Whatever path to the stone house there may have been is now blocked by three foot high weeds. The water gurgles out of the building under a poison ivy vine, and the door is broken and off its hinges. Inside the quaint stone house is a stagnant pool of water and leaves. I got some water from the stream running from under the house, thought twice about drinking it after thinking about toxic waste from the now abandoned industrial building close by. I fed it to my plants, which so far have not died.
RAW Canton
If anyone knows another spring in the area, please let us know.
I was unsure of this spring when I saw the farm nearby.
Any info on local springs it greatly appreciated. Thanks.
It's a beautiful place, but I hate to say I mistrust the water as it is right now. If you had a good home filtration system then it would be perfect. However, as of February 28, 2010 the water is stagnant and had tadpoles and salamanders living in the holding tank. Will post photos soon.
I live 15 minutes from here too! I can't wait to visit. Thank you for letting us know.
Does anyone know where to get some 3 gallon glass bottles locally?
Thanks.
Sheila
Thank you RawStrength for posting about this spring.. I just got back from my first visit !
I live only 15 miles away from this spring and am very thankful to find it. Even though the spring house is close to the road,the location is very peaceful. The water is cold and bubbling. I only took a few glass bottles with me because I was not sure what to expect but now I know you can at least fit a three Gal. Jug in there no problems!
I will be back and I will be back often!
* UPDATE 2012
I used to visit this spring about four or so years ago and it was my go to spring in the area. About three years ago I had a horrible experience, I collected my spring water like I often did and when I got home all my water smelt strongly of motor oil !! I don’t know if someone chucked there empty motor oil bottle because the road is literally 8 feet from the spring or….
So I stopped going to this spring, it’s a shame honestly because for years back when this was my go to spring and it was so clean!
Today it just looks run down and wouldn’t suggest anyone drinks the water.
I wish likeminded people would gather together and talk with more locals about preserving this spring and cleaning the area up.
With a good clean and construction and more local awareness this spring could again breath it’s beauty.
For people who are in search of a clean water source I visit Clearview springs. Search for the listing here… this has been my go to water source for three years and have been very happy.
I'm going back here soon. I will definitely take some pictures and maybe make a video to post here.
I went to the spring about two hours ago and filled up two bottles. Maybe in my excitement to find a source. I skipped some of the comments. The water was pouring out underneath the door, but as it was running toward the road, it actually looked pretty clean so I felt comfortable getting it from, the grassy area where it had carved a path. I didn’t pay too much attention to the farm that’s nearby but if they are heavy and pesticide use then I’m not sure that this is a good source. I took two sips from the bottle as I was reading the comments and it tasted all well and good but now I’m sketched out and I’m going to use it to water plants. if anyone has any updates the situation of the spring I would certainly appreciate it.
It too bad there are no decent springs shown on this app in central CT. Thanks to others for sharing your findings even though it’s not good.
Strangely the only truly awesome spring I know of is in Haverhill NH, and I’m confused why it doesn’t even show up on this app. Do they publish only the worthless ones?
I just found an old ginger ale bottle labeled that its from the Massacoe Spring, in Canton Ct. (40 Canton Springs Road) —- was there a company who made ginger ale from the spring water?! The old bottle was at Goodwill in Avon……
Yes. This was the Gra-Rock Spring Water Company that made ginger ale and other sodas from late 1800’s until 1935 when it relocated to Wethersfield. Lots of ‘Gra-Rock’ history along the train line tied to the Canton Spring.
I live 15 minutes from here too! I can't wait to visit. Thank you for letting us know.
Does anyone know where to get some 3 gallon glass bottles locally?
Thanks.
Sheila