Is Jay (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 ↓
71.9/100
waterverge.com Jay (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Jay (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (71.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,634 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 163 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jay (T)'s water
Jay (T) ranks #687 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Jay (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, Jay (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jay (T), NY water safe to drink?
Jay (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,634 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jay (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jay (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.9/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Jay (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
Jay (T)'s water system has 163 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Essex County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 White Brook, East Branch Ausable River, Ausable River.
Where does Jay (T)'s water come from?
Jay (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,634 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include White Brook (river), East Branch Ausable River (river), Ausable River (river).
What Jay (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jay (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.
Jay (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
Essex County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jay (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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.30 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.300 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Jay (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Jay (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jay (T)'s water comes from
Jay (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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,634 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Jay (T)
Jay (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jay (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOREVER WILD WATER CO-SIGNOR | NY1500280 | 900 | GW |
| AUSABLE FORKS WD | NY1516260 | 900 | GW |
| JAY WD | NY1500279 | 500 | GW |
| UPPER JAY WD | NY1500294 | 234 | GWP |
| FOREVER WILD WATER CO-KITZBUHL | NY1503497 | 100 | GW |
How Jay (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Jay (T)'s score of 71.9/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Jay (T), NY
Wikipedia →Jay is a town in Essex County, New York, United States. The population was 2,506 at the 2010 census. The town is named after John Jay, governor of New York when the town was formed.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jay (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Jay (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Jay (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (71.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #687 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Jay (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 163 violations are on record.
How is Jay (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 Jay (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jay (T)'s water come from?
Jay (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,634 residents.
What health violations has Jay (T)'s water system had?
Jay (T) has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jay (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jay (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 163 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 Jay (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Jay (T) ranks #687 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 20% of state cities) and #10472 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.