Is Colchester (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42.5/100
waterverge.com Colchester (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Colchester (T)'s drinking water received a grade of F (42.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 860 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 267 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colchester (T)'s water
Colchester (T) ranks #845 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Colchester (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.
As a small community water system, Colchester (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 62 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colchester (T), NY water safe to drink?
Colchester (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 860 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colchester (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colchester (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: F (42.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colchester (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
Colchester (T)'s water system has 267 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 62 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delaware County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 East Branch Delaware River, Beaver Kill, East Brook East Of Walton, West Brook, West Branch Delaware River.
Where does Colchester (T)'s water come from?
Colchester (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 860 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Branch Delaware River (river), Beaver Kill (river), East Brook East Of Walton (river), West Brook (river), West Branch Delaware River (river).
What Colchester (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colchester (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Colchester (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
Delaware County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Colchester (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. | 3.3 | 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. | 2.08 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colchester (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Colchester (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colchester (T)'s water comes from
Colchester (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 860 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Colchester (T)
Colchester (T) is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colchester (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DOWNSVILLE WATER DISTRICT | NY1200258 | 617 | GU |
| COOKS FALLS WATER DISTRICT | NY1200253 | 150 | GW |
| CORBETT COMMUNITY CORP. | NY1200254 | 93 | GW |
How Colchester (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Colchester (T)'s score of 42.5/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Colchester (T), NY
Wikipedia →Downsville is a hamlet, census-designated place (CDP), and former village in the town of Colchester, Delaware County, New York, United States. The population was 474 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colchester (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Delaware
Frequently asked questions
Is Colchester (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Colchester (T)'s water quality earned a grade of F (42.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #845 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Colchester (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 267 violations are on record.
How is Colchester (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 Colchester (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colchester (T)'s water come from?
Colchester (T)'s water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 860 residents.
What health violations has Colchester (T)'s water system had?
Colchester (T) has 5 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. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Colchester (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colchester (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 267 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 Colchester (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Colchester (T) ranks #845 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 1% of state cities) and #14805 out of 15744 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.