Is Chesterfield (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.3/100
waterverge.com Chesterfield (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Chesterfield (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (72.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,558 residents using 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 165 violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chesterfield (T)'s water
Chesterfield (T) ranks #684 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Chesterfield (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chesterfield (T), NY water safe to drink?
Chesterfield (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,558 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chesterfield (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chesterfield (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chesterfield (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
Chesterfield (T)'s water system has 165 total violations on record, including 57 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Essex County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Salmon River, Little Ausable River, Boquet River.
Where does Chesterfield (T)'s water come from?
Chesterfield (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,558 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Salmon River (river), Little Ausable River (river), Boquet River (river).
What Chesterfield (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chesterfield (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.
Chesterfield (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
Essex County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chesterfield (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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.430 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Chesterfield (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Chesterfield (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chesterfield (T)'s water comes from
Chesterfield (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 2,558 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Chesterfield (T)
Chesterfield (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Chesterfield (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTERFIELD WD | NY1500283 | 2,300 | SW |
| PORT KENT WD | NY1520370 | 158 | SW |
| BOLTONS ACRES | NY1501562 | 100 | GW |
How Chesterfield (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Chesterfield (T)'s score of 72.3/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Chesterfield (T), NY
Wikipedia →Keeseville is a hamlet in Clinton and Essex counties, New York, United States. The population was 1,815 at the 2010 census. The hamlet was named after the Keese family, early settlers from Vermont. It developed along the Ausable River, which provided water power for mills and industrial development.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chesterfield (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesterfield (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Chesterfield (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (72.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #684 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Chesterfield (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 165 violations are on record.
How is Chesterfield (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 Chesterfield (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chesterfield (T)'s water come from?
Chesterfield (T)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,558 residents.
What health violations has Chesterfield (T)'s water system had?
Chesterfield (T) has 57 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chesterfield (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Chesterfield (T) ranks #684 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 20% of state cities) and #10392 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.