Is Colton (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.8/100
waterverge.com Colton (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Colton (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 2 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Colton (T)'s water
Colton (T) ranks #247 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Colton (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, Colton (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colton (T), NY water safe to drink?
Colton (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Colton (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colton (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colton (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colton (T)'s water system has 2 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Colton (T)'s water come from?
Colton (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raquette River (river).
What Colton (T) 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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colton (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Colton (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colton (T)'s water comes from
Colton (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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Colton (T)
Colton (T) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Colton (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLTON WATER DISTRICT | NY4404404 | 850 | GW |
How Colton (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Colton (T)'s score of 89.8/100 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 Colton (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colton (T)'s water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Colton (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Colton (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #247 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Colton (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Colton (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 Colton (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colton (T)'s water come from?
Colton (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Colton (T)'s water system had?
Colton (T) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2005. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Colton (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Colton (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 2 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 Colton (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Colton (T) ranks #247 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 71% of state cities) and #2603 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Colton (T)'s small water system affect quality?
Colton (T)'s system serves approximately 850 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 2 violations on record.