Is Altona (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82/100
waterverge.com Altona (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Altona (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (82 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 669 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 105 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Altona (T)'s water
Altona (T) ranks #538 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Altona (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, Altona (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Altona (T), NY water safe to drink?
Altona (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 669 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Altona (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Altona (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Altona (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Altona (T)'s water system has 105 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Altona (T)'s water come from?
Altona (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 669 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Altona (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Altona (T)'s water.
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.
Altona (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
Clinton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Altona (T)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Altona (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Altona (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Altona (T)'s water comes from
Altona (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 state ownership and serves approximately 669 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Altona (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALTONA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | NY0919482 | 650 | GW |
| TWIN OAKS HOUSING | NY0930016 | 19 | GW |
How Altona (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Altona (T)'s score of 82/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Altona (T), NY
Wikipedia →Altona is a town in Clinton County, New York, United States. The population was 2,666 at the 2020 census. The town was named after the Altona, Hamburg, district of Germany. The town contains a hamlet also called Altona.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Altona (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is Altona (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Altona (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (82/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #538 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Altona (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Altona (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 Altona (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Altona (T)'s water come from?
Altona (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 669 residents.
What health violations has Altona (T)'s water system had?
Altona (T) has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Altona (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Altona (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 105 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 Altona (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Altona (T) ranks #538 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 37% of state cities) and #7236 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.