Is Chester (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
50.1/100
waterverge.com Chester (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Chester (T)'s drinking water received a grade of D+ (50.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 5,583 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 209 violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 73 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chester (T)'s water
Chester (T) ranks #784 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chester (T) 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.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chester (T), NY water safe to drink?
Chester (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 5,583 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chester (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chester (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50.1/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chester (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
Chester (T)'s water system has 209 total violations on record, including 25 health-based violations. 73 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange 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 Wallkill River, Ramapo R.
Where does Chester (T)'s water come from?
Chester (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 5,583 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wallkill River (river), Ramapo R (river).
What Chester (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chester (T)'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.
Chester (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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOrange 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
Orange 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 Chester (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. | 2.8 | 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. | 2.01 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chester (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Chester (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chester (T)'s water comes from
Chester (T)'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 5,583 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Chester (T)
Chester (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chester (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE HILL FARMS WATER DISTRICT | NY3505650 | 1,868 | GW |
| SURREY MEADOW W.D. | NY3503582 | 784 | GW |
| WALTON LAKE ESTATES W.D. | NY3503525 | 768 | GW |
| CHESTERTOWN WATER DISTRICT | NY5600102 | 750 | GW |
| SUGAR LOAF HILLS | NY3503576 | 591 | GW |
| POTTERSVILLE WATER DISTRICT | NY5600110 | 300 | GW |
| BELLVALE COMMUNITY | NY3503889 | 180 | GW |
| KING TRACT | NY3503598 | 150 | GW |
| FIELD CREST | NY3530191 | 147 | SWP |
| GORE MOUNTAIN TERRACE | NY5601499 | 45 | GW |
How Chester (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Chester (T)'s score of 50.1/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chester (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Chester (T)'s water quality earned a grade of D+ (50.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #784 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Chester (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 209 violations are on record.
How is Chester (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 Chester (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chester (T)'s water come from?
Chester (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 5,583 residents.
What health violations has Chester (T)'s water system had?
Chester (T) has 25 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 73 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chester (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chester (T) 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 209 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 Chester (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Chester (T) ranks #784 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 8% of state cities) and #13043 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.