01The verdict: is Boston (T) water safe?
Based on EPA testing data, Boston (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 6,604 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Nothing over a legal limit
Every contaminant measured in Boston (T)'s water is within its EPA limit, and no violations are unresolved.
See the testing ↓A clean compliance record
Boston (T) has no EPA violations on file — a stronger record than most systems its size.
See the record ↓Limited testing data
Fewer recent samples are on file for this system than we'd like — the grade leans on the data available.
How we grade ↓Boston (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 6,604 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.8 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. No violations are on record for this water system.
Boston (T) ranks #286 out of 810 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. Boston (T) has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
02What's in Boston (T)'s water
Every contaminant flagged in Boston (T), on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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. | 9.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in New York
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in New York
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Boston (T)'s ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. No violations are on record for this water system.
All ten of the last ten years were clean — no EPA violations recorded for Boston (T).
▲ Up 0.85 ppb since 2001. Latest reading: 9.8 ppb (2022) — 66% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Boston (T)'s water comes from
Boston (T)'s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Purchased Surface Water
Rivers, lakes, or reservoirs — more exposed to runoff, agriculture, and seasonal swings than groundwater.
Wholesale supplier
Multi-barrier treatment: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA standards.
1 system
1 water system, operated under local government ownership.
6,604 people
Residents served across Boston (T)'s service area.
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 6,604 people through 1 water system.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECWA BOSTON | NY1421897 | 6,604 | Purchased Surface Water |
Water bodies near Boston (T)
As a surface-water system, these water bodies may directly influence Boston (T)'s drinking water supply.
05Pressure on Boston (T)'s watershed
Outside forces that shape what reaches the treatment plant. None of these is a verdict on the tap by itself — but each adds pressure worth knowing about.
Flood & storm history
2 federal disaster declarations on record for Erie County. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and push runoff into supplies.
06How Boston (T) compares
Scores for nearby New York cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = New York average (78/100)
Boston (T) scores 89/100 — above the New York average of 78/100. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities. Full New York rankings →
89 / 100CBrookhaven (T), NY
60.9 / 100AEast Hampton (T), NY
85.1 / 100BIslip (T), NY
71.8 / 100BSmithtown (T), NY
84.8 / 100BSouthampton (T), NY
78.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
07What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Boston (T)'s water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Basic carbon filter for extra protection. Lead detected at 9.8 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Boston (T) alerts
We refresh EPA data monthly and surface new violations, advisories, and boil-water notices for your county on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Boston (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Boston (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #286 out of 810 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Boston (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 9.8 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Boston (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 Boston (T)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boston (T)'s water come from?
Boston (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 6,604 residents.
How does Boston (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Boston (T) ranks #286 out of 810 cities in New York (better than 65% of state cities) and #3079 out of 15382 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.