Is Brownville (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Brownville (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Brownville (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 740 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 7 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Brownville (T)'s water
Brownville (T) ranks #249 out of 855 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.11 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Brownville (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brownville (T), NY water safe to drink?
Brownville (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 740 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brownville (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brownville (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Brownville (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
Brownville (T)'s water system has 7 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 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 Lake Ontario, Black River.
Where does Brownville (T)'s water come from?
Brownville (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 740 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Ontario (lake), Black River (river).
What Brownville (T) 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.
Brownville (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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Brownville (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. | 1.4 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Brownville (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Brownville (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brownville (T)'s water comes from
Brownville (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 740 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Brownville (T)
Brownville (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Brownville (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROWNVILLE (T) WD #1 | NY2235001 | 600 | SWP |
| BROWNVILLE (T) WD #2 | NY2230145 | 140 | GWP |
How Brownville (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Brownville (T)'s score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Brownville (T), NY
Wikipedia →Dexter is a village in Jefferson County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Dexter had a population of 1,004. The name is derived from Simon Newton Dexter, one of the village's stockholders.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brownville (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Brownville (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Brownville (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #249 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Brownville (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Brownville (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 Brownville (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brownville (T)'s water come from?
Brownville (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 740 residents.
What health violations has Brownville (T)'s water system had?
Brownville (T) has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Brownville (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Brownville (T) ranks #249 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 71% of state cities) and #2608 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.