Is Clayton (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Clayton (V) ranks. What to do next ↓
95.7/100
waterverge.com Clayton (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Clayton (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Clayton (V)'s water
Clayton (V) ranks #37 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Clayton (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clayton (V), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Clayton (V)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.7/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clayton (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clayton (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Clayton (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Clayton (V)'s water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
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.
Where does Clayton (V)'s water come from?
Clayton (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Clayton (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.
Clayton (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
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.
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clayton (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Clayton (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clayton (V)'s water comes from
Clayton (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 2,100 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Clayton (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLAYTON VILLAGE | NY2202335 | 2,100 | SW |
How Clayton (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Clayton (V)'s score of 95.7/100 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 Clayton (V), NY
Wikipedia →Clayton is a town in Jefferson County, New York, United States. The population was 5,153 at the 2010 census. The town is named after John M. Clayton, a federal political leader from Delaware.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clayton (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Clayton (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Clayton (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Clayton (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Clayton (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 Clayton (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clayton (V)'s water come from?
Clayton (V)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,100 residents.
How does Clayton (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Clayton (V) ranks #37 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 96% of state cities) and #286 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clayton (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Clayton (V)'s system serves approximately 2,100 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 1 violation on record.