Is Mount Hope (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
55.4/100
waterverge.com Mount Hope (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Mount Hope (T)'s drinking water received a grade of C- (55.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,925 residents using groundwater.
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 297 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Hope (T)'s water
Mount Hope (T) ranks #764 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mount Hope (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, Mount Hope (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 Mount Hope (T), NY water safe to drink?
Mount Hope (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,925 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Hope (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Hope (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.4/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Mount Hope (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
Mount Hope (T)'s water system has 297 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange 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 Gumaer Brook, Basher Kill, Neversink River.
Where does Mount Hope (T)'s water come from?
Mount Hope (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,925 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gumaer Brook (river), Basher Kill (river), Neversink River (river).
What Mount Hope (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Hope (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.
Mount Hope (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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOrange County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Orange 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Hope (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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.61 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Hope (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Hope (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Hope (T)'s water comes from
Mount Hope (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 federal ownership and serves approximately 2,925 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Mount Hope (T)
Mount Hope (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 Mount Hope (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INST. | NY3517527 | 1,225 | GW |
| OTISVILLE CORRECTIONAL FACILITY | NY3510586 | 892 | GWP |
| HIDDEN VALLEY ESTATES | NY3503606 | 312 | GW |
| NEW VERNON ESTATES | NY3503607 | 300 | GW |
| WHITLOCK FARMS | NY3503611 | 100 | GW |
| DEVANS GATE SENIOR HOUSING | NY3530193 | 96 | GW |
How Mount Hope (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Mount Hope (T)'s score of 55.4/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Hope (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Hope (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Mount Hope (T)'s water quality earned a grade of C- (55.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #764 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Mount Hope (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 297 violations are on record.
How is Mount Hope (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 Mount Hope (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Hope (T)'s water come from?
Mount Hope (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,925 residents.
What health violations has Mount Hope (T)'s water system had?
Mount Hope (T) has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 37 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mount Hope (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mount Hope (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 297 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 Mount Hope (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Mount Hope (T) ranks #764 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 11% of state cities) and #12541 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.