Is Brewster (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Brewster (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Brewster (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,162 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.9 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.
The system has 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brewster (V)'s water
Brewster (V) ranks #515 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Brewster (V) 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.
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.
As a small community water system, Brewster (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brewster (V), NY water safe to drink?
Brewster (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,162 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brewster (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brewster (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4615). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3572). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brewster (V)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Brewster (V)'s water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Ridgefield Brook, East Branch Croton River, West Branch Croton River, W Br Croton River Below Dam, Horse Pound Brook.
Where does Brewster (V)'s water come from?
Brewster (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,162 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ridgefield Brook (river), East Branch Croton River (river), West Branch Croton River (river), W Br Croton River Below Dam (river), Horse Pound Brook (river).
What Brewster (V) 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.
Brewster (V)'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPutnam County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Putnam County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Brewster (V)'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. | 7.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brewster (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Brewster (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brewster (V)'s water comes from
Brewster (V)'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,162 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Brewster (V)
Brewster (V) is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Brewster (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BREWSTER VILLAGE | NY3903639 | 2,162 | GW |
How Brewster (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Brewster (V)'s score of 82.6/100 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 Brewster (V), NY
Wikipedia →Brewster is a village and the principal settlement within the town of Southeast in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 2,508 at the 2020 census. The village, which is the most densely populated portion of the county, was named for two early farmer landowners, Walter and James Brewster, who donated land for the Brewster railroad station in 1848.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brewster (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Brewster (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Brewster (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #515 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Brewster (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Brewster (V)'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 Brewster (V)?
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 Brewster (V)'s water come from?
Brewster (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,162 residents.
Is Brewster (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brewster (V) 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 3 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 Brewster (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Brewster (V) ranks #515 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 40% of state cities) and #6871 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brewster (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Brewster (V)'s system serves approximately 2,162 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 3 violations on record.