Is Monsey, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 35 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.3/100
Monsey, NY — Water Quality Report
Monsey's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,000 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 255 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved.
What to know about Monsey's water
Monsey ranks #761 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, Monsey may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Monsey, NY water safe to drink?
Monsey's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Monsey
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Monsey's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4615). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3572). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Monsey's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Monsey's water system has 255 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 35 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Hackensack River, Lake Tappan At Old Tappan, Hackensack River At Rivervale, Pascack Brook At Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale.
Where does Monsey's water come from?
Monsey's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hackensack River (river), Lake Tappan At Old Tappan (lake), Hackensack River At Rivervale (river), Pascack Brook At Park Ridge (river), Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale (lake).
What Monsey residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Monsey'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.
Monsey'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Monsey
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Monsey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LINDE ADVANCED MATERIAL TECHNOLOGIES ORANGEBURG, NY10962 | Copper | 1 | 7.6 mi |
PROFESSIONAL DISPOSABLES INTERNATIONAL INC. ORANGEBURG, NY10962 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
U.S. POLYCHEMICAL CHESTNUT RIDGE, NY10977 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
SRM - NYACK VALLEY COTTAGE, NY10989 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
BOWLINE GENERATING STATION WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY10993 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Monsey
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- RAMAPO LANDFILL4.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Rockland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Monsey compares by contaminant
Explore where Monsey ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Monsey's water comes from
Monsey'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,000 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Monsey
Monsey is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Monsey
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREEN ACRES MHC | PA3390090 | 1,475 | SWP |
| MOUNTAIN SPRINGS MHP | PA3060118 | 215 | GW |
| ROUND TOP MHP | PA7010046 | 185 | GW |
| FOUNTAIN HOUSE TRAILER COURT | PA6200044 | 125 | GW |
How Monsey compares
Full New York rankings →Monsey's score of 58.3/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Monsey, NY
Wikipedia →Monsey is a hamlet and census-designated place in the town of Ramapo, Rockland County, New York, United States, north of Airmont, east of Viola, south of New Hempstead, and west of Spring Valley. The village of Kaser is surrounded by the hamlet of Monsey. The 2020 census listed the population at 26,954.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Monsey's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lehigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Monsey, NY tap water safe to drink?
Monsey's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #761 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Monsey's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 255 violations are on record.
How is Monsey'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 Monsey?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Monsey's water come from?
Monsey's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Monsey's water system had?
Monsey has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 35 violations remain unresolved.
How does Monsey's water compare to other cities?
Monsey ranks #761 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 11% of state cities) and #12291 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.