Is New Scotland (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 ↓
71.3/100
waterverge.com New Scotland (T), NY — Water Quality Report
New Scotland (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (71.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,862 residents using purchased surface water.
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 67 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Scotland (T)'s water
New Scotland (T) ranks #696 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, New Scotland (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Scotland (T), NY water safe to drink?
New Scotland (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 1,862 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Scotland (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Scotland (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate, OXAMYL, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
Contaminants: Endrin, 2,4-D, HEXACHLOROBENZENE.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Scotland (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
New Scotland (T)'s water system has 67 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 10 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Albany County has experienced 6 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 Patroon Creek, Hudson River, Normans Kill.
Where does New Scotland (T)'s water come from?
New Scotland (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 1,862 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Patroon Creek (river), Hudson River (stream), Normans Kill (river).
What New Scotland (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Scotland (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.
New Scotland (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
Albany County has experienced 6 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 New Scotland (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. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.430 mg/L (2021)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how New Scotland (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where New Scotland (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Scotland (T)'s water comes from
New Scotland (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 1,862 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near New Scotland (T)
New Scotland (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 New Scotland (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEURA BUSH WD | NY0121203 | 450 | SWP |
| CLARKSVILLE WATER DISTRICT | NY0130000 | 430 | GW |
| NORTHEAST W.D. | NY0130008 | 370 | GW |
| NEW SALEM WD | NY0140001 | 350 | SWP |
| HELDERVALE WATER DISTRICT | NY0111900 | 117 | SWP |
| SWIFT ROAD WD | NY0121204 | 100 | SWP |
| FONT GROVE WATER DISTRICT | NY0123019 | 45 | SWP |
How New Scotland (T) compares
Full New York rankings →New Scotland (T)'s score of 71.3/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Scotland (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Albany
Frequently asked questions
Is New Scotland (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
New Scotland (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (71.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #696 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in New Scotland (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is New Scotland (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 New Scotland (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Scotland (T)'s water come from?
New Scotland (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 1,862 residents.
What health violations has New Scotland (T)'s water system had?
New Scotland (T) has 1 health-based violation 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Scotland (T)'s water compare to other cities?
New Scotland (T) ranks #696 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 19% of state cities) and #10576 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.