Is Bolton (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.7/100
waterverge.com Bolton (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Bolton (T)'s drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,980 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 251 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bolton (T)'s water
Bolton (T) ranks #731 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Bolton (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bolton (T), NY water safe to drink?
Bolton (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bolton (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bolton (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Bolton (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
Bolton (T)'s water system has 251 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Warren County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Schroon River.
Where does Bolton (T)'s water come from?
Bolton (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Schroon River (river).
What Bolton (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bolton (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.
Bolton (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
Warren County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bolton (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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bolton (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Bolton (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bolton (T)'s water comes from
Bolton (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 1,980 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bolton (T)
Bolton (T) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bolton (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOLTON WATER DISTRICT | NY5600101 | 1,800 | SW |
| LAGOON MANOR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION | NY5622708 | 180 | SW |
How Bolton (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Bolton (T)'s score of 66.7/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Bolton (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bolton (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Warren
Frequently asked questions
Is Bolton (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Bolton (T)'s water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #731 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Bolton (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 251 violations are on record.
How is Bolton (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 Bolton (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bolton (T)'s water come from?
Bolton (T)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,980 residents.
What health violations has Bolton (T)'s water system had?
Bolton (T) has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bolton (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Bolton (T) ranks #731 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 15% of state cities) and #11342 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.