Is Benton (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 ↓
83.9/100
waterverge.com Benton (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Benton (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,232 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Benton (T)'s water
Benton (T) ranks #480 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Benton (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Benton (T), NY water safe to drink?
Benton (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,232 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Benton (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Benton (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Benton (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
Benton (T)'s water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Yates County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Sugar Creek, Keuka Lake Outlet.
Where does Benton (T)'s water come from?
Benton (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,232 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Sugar Creek (river), Keuka Lake Outlet (river).
What Benton (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Benton (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Benton (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
Yates County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Benton (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. | 3.4 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Benton (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Benton (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Benton (T)'s water comes from
Benton (T)'s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,232 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Benton (T)
Benton (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Benton (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENTON WD #2 | NY6130026 | 500 | SWP |
| BENTON WD #1 | NY6130010 | 400 | GWP |
| BENTON WD #3 | NY6130011 | 332 | GWP |
How Benton (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Benton (T)'s score of 83.9/100 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 Benton (T), NY
Wikipedia →Penn Yan is an incorporated village in and the county seat of Yates County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Penn Yan had a population of 5,056. It lies at the north end of the east branch of Keuka Lake, one of the Finger Lakes.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Benton (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Yates
Frequently asked questions
Is Benton (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Benton (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #480 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Benton (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Benton (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 Benton (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Benton (T)'s water come from?
Benton (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,232 residents.
How does Benton (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Benton (T) ranks #480 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 44% of state cities) and #6192 out of 15744 cities nationally (61th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.