Is Hounsfield (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 ↓
74.8/100
waterverge.com Hounsfield (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Hounsfield (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,475 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 37 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Hounsfield (T)'s water
Hounsfield (T) ranks #654 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, Hounsfield (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hounsfield (T), NY water safe to drink?
Hounsfield (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,475 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hounsfield (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hounsfield (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Hounsfield (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
Hounsfield (T)'s water system has 37 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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. Local water sources include Black River.
Where does Hounsfield (T)'s water come from?
Hounsfield (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,475 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Hounsfield (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.
Hounsfield (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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hounsfield (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. | 2.4 | 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. | 1.37 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.370 mg/L (2014)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hounsfield (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Hounsfield (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hounsfield (T)'s water comes from
Hounsfield (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 1,475 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Hounsfield (T)
Hounsfield (T) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hounsfield (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOUNSFIELD WD 2 | NY2230094 | 725 | SWP |
| HOUNSFIELD WD 1, 5 | NY2221870 | 480 | SWP |
| HOUNSFIELD WD 3 (WESCOTT BEACH) | NY2230115 | 270 | SWP |
How Hounsfield (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Hounsfield (T)'s score of 74.8/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Hounsfield (T), NY
Wikipedia →Watertown is a city in and the county seat of Jefferson County, New York, United States. It is approximately 25 miles (40 km) south of the Thousand Islands, along the Black River, about 5 miles (8 km) east of where it flows into Lake Ontario. The city is bordered by the town of Watertown to the south, east, and west, and is served by the Watertown International Airport and the Watertown Daily Times newspaper. In the middle of Watertown lies the Public Square Historic District, which was built in 1805 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) in 1984. Watertown is located 13 miles southwest of the U.S. Army base at Fort Drum; it is the service and shopping destination for personnel there and their families. As of the 2020 United States census, the city has 24,685 residents, making it the largest city in the North Country.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hounsfield (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Hounsfield (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Hounsfield (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #654 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Hounsfield (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 37 violations are on record.
How is Hounsfield (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 Hounsfield (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hounsfield (T)'s water come from?
Hounsfield (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,475 residents.
What health violations has Hounsfield (T)'s water system had?
Hounsfield (T) has 27 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Hounsfield (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Hounsfield (T) ranks #654 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 24% of state cities) and #9752 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.