Is Keene (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 ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Keene (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Keene (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 960 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 29 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keene (T)'s water
Keene (T) ranks #571 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Keene (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, Keene (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keene (T), NY water safe to drink?
Keene (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 960 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keene (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keene (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keene (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
Keene (T)'s water system has 29 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 W Br Ausable R Nr Lake Placid, White Brook.
Where does Keene (T)'s water come from?
Keene (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 960 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include W Br Ausable R Nr Lake Placid (river), White Brook (river).
What Keene (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keene (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.
Keene (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 Keene (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. | 3.8 | 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. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Keene (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Keene (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keene (T)'s water comes from
Keene (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 960 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Keene (T)
Keene (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 Keene (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEENE VALLEY WD | NY1500282 | 660 | GW |
| KEENE WD | NY1500281 | 300 | GW |
How Keene (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Keene (T)'s score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Keene (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keene (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Keene (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Keene (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #571 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Keene (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Keene (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 Keene (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keene (T)'s water come from?
Keene (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 960 residents.
What health violations has Keene (T)'s water system had?
Keene (T) has 9 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. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Keene (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keene (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 29 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 Keene (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Keene (T) ranks #571 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 33% of state cities) and #8206 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.