Is Brooklyn, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 82 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Brooklyn, NY — Water Quality Report
Brooklyn's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,076 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 363 violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brooklyn's water
Brooklyn ranks #815 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Brooklyn 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.
As a small community water system, Brooklyn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 57 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brooklyn, NY water safe to drink?
Brooklyn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 1,076 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Brooklyn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brooklyn's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4615). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Brooklyn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brooklyn's water system has 363 total violations on record, including 54 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved. 57 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kings County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Hudson River.
Where does Brooklyn's water come from?
Brooklyn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 1,076 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hudson River (river).
What Brooklyn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brooklyn'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.
Brooklyn'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
Kings County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brooklyn compares by contaminant
Explore where Brooklyn ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brooklyn's water comes from
Brooklyn'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,076 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Brooklyn
Brooklyn is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Brooklyn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH MOBILE HOME VILLAGE WATER SYSTEM | LA1019085 | 444 | GW |
| EAGLE LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK | LA1103110 | 300 | GW |
| WAYNE MHP LP | OH8300212 | 175 | GW |
| PARKWOOD | MI0040441 | 58 | GW |
| M & H MHP, LLC | OH5900412 | 55 | GW |
| ARNOLD APARTMENTS | PA2640042 | 44 | GW |
How Brooklyn compares
Full New York rankings →Brooklyn's score of 47/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Brooklyn, NY
Wikipedia →Brooklyn is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Located at the westernmost end of Long Island and formerly an independent city, Brooklyn shares a land border with the borough and county of Queens. It has several bridge and tunnel connections to the borough of Manhattan, across the East River, including the architecturally significant Brooklyn Bridge, and is connected to Staten Island by the Verrazzano–Narrows Bridge.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brooklyn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calcasieu Parish
Frequently asked questions
Is Brooklyn, NY tap water safe to drink?
Brooklyn's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #815 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Brooklyn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 363 violations are on record.
How is Brooklyn'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 Brooklyn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brooklyn's water come from?
Brooklyn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 1,076 residents.
What health violations has Brooklyn's water system had?
Brooklyn has 54 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 82 violations remain unresolved.
Is Brooklyn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Brooklyn 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 363 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 Brooklyn's water compare to other cities?
Brooklyn ranks #815 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 5% of state cities) and #13775 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.