Is Buchanan (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
93.3/100
waterverge.com Buchanan (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Buchanan (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using purchased 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Buchanan (V)'s water
Buchanan (V) ranks #103 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average 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, Buchanan (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buchanan (V), NY water safe to drink?
Buchanan (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Buchanan (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buchanan (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
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: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buchanan (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Buchanan (V)'s water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 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 Buchanan (V)'s water come from?
Buchanan (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. 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 Buchanan (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.
Buchanan (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 droughtWestchester 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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buchanan (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Buchanan (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buchanan (V)'s water comes from
Buchanan (V)'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 2,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Buchanan (V)
Buchanan (V) is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Buchanan (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCHANAN VILLAGE | NY5903422 | 2,200 | SWP |
How Buchanan (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Buchanan (V)'s score of 93.3/100 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 Buchanan (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 Buchanan (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Westchester
Frequently asked questions
Is Buchanan (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Buchanan (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #103 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Buchanan (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Buchanan (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 Buchanan (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buchanan (V)'s water come from?
Buchanan (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,200 residents.
How does Buchanan (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Buchanan (V) ranks #103 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 88% of state cities) and #890 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Buchanan (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Buchanan (V)'s system serves approximately 2,200 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 10 violations on record.