Is Moriah (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.9/100
waterverge.com Moriah (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Moriah (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (85.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,931 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 108 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moriah (T)'s water
Moriah (T) ranks #424 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moriah (T), NY water safe to drink?
Moriah (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,931 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Moriah (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moriah (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Barium, CYANIDE.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moriah (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Moriah (T)'s water system has 108 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 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 East Br Dead Creek, West Br Dead Creek, Lake Champlain.
Where does Moriah (T)'s water come from?
Moriah (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,931 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Br Dead Creek (river), West Br Dead Creek (river), Lake Champlain (lake).
What Moriah (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moriah (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.
Moriah (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.
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Moriah (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Moriah (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moriah (T)'s water comes from
Moriah (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 4,931 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Moriah (T)
Moriah (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Moriah (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MORIAH WD | NY1500287 | 3,100 | SW |
| PORT HENRY WD | NY1500290 | 1,831 | SW |
How Moriah (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Moriah (T)'s score of 85.9/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Moriah (T), NY
Wikipedia →Port Henry is a hamlet in Essex County, New York, United States. The population was 1,194 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moriah (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Moriah (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Moriah (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (85.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #424 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Moriah (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 108 violations are on record.
How is Moriah (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 Moriah (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moriah (T)'s water come from?
Moriah (T)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,931 residents.
What health violations has Moriah (T)'s water system had?
Moriah (T) has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Moriah (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Moriah (T) ranks #424 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 50% of state cities) and #5023 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.