Is Indian Lake (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 ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com Indian Lake (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Indian Lake (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 96 violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Indian Lake (T)'s water
Indian Lake (T) ranks #631 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Indian Lake (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, Indian Lake (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Indian Lake (T), NY water safe to drink?
Indian Lake (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Indian Lake (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Indian Lake (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: COPPER, FREE.
1 health-based. 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 Indian Lake (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
Indian Lake (T)'s water system has 96 total violations on record, including 46 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hamilton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Indian Lake, Indian River.
Where does Indian Lake (T)'s water come from?
Indian Lake (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Indian Lake (lake), Indian River (river).
What Indian Lake (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Indian Lake (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.
Indian Lake (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
Hamilton County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Indian Lake (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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.70 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Indian Lake (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Indian Lake (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Indian Lake (T)'s water comes from
Indian Lake (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 1,300 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Indian Lake (T)
Indian Lake (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Indian Lake (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDIAN LAKE WD | NY2000126 | 900 | GW |
| BLUE MT LAKE WD | NY2000135 | 400 | SW |
How Indian Lake (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Indian Lake (T)'s score of 76.7/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Indian Lake (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Indian Lake (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hamilton
Frequently asked questions
Is Indian Lake (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Indian Lake (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #631 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Indian Lake (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 96 violations are on record.
How is Indian Lake (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 Indian Lake (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Indian Lake (T)'s water come from?
Indian Lake (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Indian Lake (T)'s water system had?
Indian Lake (T) has 46 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Indian Lake (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Indian Lake (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 96 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 Indian Lake (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Indian Lake (T) ranks #631 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 26% of state cities) and #9225 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.