Is Adams (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.5/100
waterverge.com Adams (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Adams (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A (90.5 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Adams (T)'s water
Adams (T) ranks #212 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Adams (T) relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Adams (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Adams (T), NY water safe to drink?
Adams (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Adams (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Adams (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.5/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Adams (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Adams (T)'s water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Sandy Creek, Lake Ontario.
Where does Adams (T)'s water come from?
Adams (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sandy Creek (river), Lake Ontario (lake).
What Adams (T) residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Adams (T)'s area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Adams (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Adams (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Adams (T)'s water comes from
Adams (T)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,000 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Adams (T)
Adams (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Adams (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAMS VILLAGE | NY2202328 | 2,000 | GW |
| ADAMS T WD 1,2,3 (ADAMS CENTER) | NY2202351 | 1,000 | GWP |
How Adams (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Adams (T)'s score of 90.5/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Adams (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Adams (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Adams (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Adams (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A (90.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #212 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Adams (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Adams (T)'s water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Adams (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Adams (T)'s water come from?
Adams (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,000 residents.
Is Adams (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Adams (T) uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 10 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Adams (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Adams (T) ranks #212 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 75% of state cities) and #2184 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.