Is Black River, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Black River, NY — Water Quality Report
Black River's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Black River's water
Black River ranks #389 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Black River purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Black River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Black River, NY water safe to drink?
Black River's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Black River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Black River's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Black River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Black River's water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
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 Black River.
Where does Black River's water come from?
Black River's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Black River 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.
Black River'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Black River
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Black River, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY - WATERTOWN WATERTOWN, NY13601 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
KNOWLTON TECHNOLOGIES LLC WATERTOWN, NY13601 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
NEW YORK AIR BRAKE LLC WATERTOWN, NY13601 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
US ARMY FORT DRUM FORT DRUM, NY13602 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
NEENAH NORTHEAST LLC BROWNVILLE, NY13615 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Black River
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CROWN CLEANERS OF WATERTOWN INC7.2 mi
- BLACK RIVER PCBS8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Black River compares by contaminant
Explore where Black River ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Black River's water comes from
Black River purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Black River's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Black River
Black River is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Black River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RUTLAND TOWN WD 1 | NY2230102 | 1,500 | GWP |
How Black River compares
Full New York rankings →Black River's score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Black River, NY
Wikipedia →Black River is a village in Jefferson County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Black River had a population of 1,232. The village is on the border of the towns of Le Ray and Rutland, east of Watertown.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Black River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Black River, NY tap water safe to drink?
Black River's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #389 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Black River's water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Black River'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 Black River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Black River's water come from?
Black River's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Black River's water system had?
Black River has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Black River's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Black River 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 2 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 Black River's water compare to other cities?
Black River ranks #389 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 55% of state cities) and #4464 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Black River's small water system affect quality?
Black River's system serves approximately 1,500 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 2 violations on record.