Is North Salem (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com North Salem (T), NY — Water Quality Report
North Salem (T)'s drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 2,594 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 146 violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about North Salem (T)'s water
North Salem (T) ranks #826 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
North Salem (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, North Salem (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 46 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is North Salem (T), NY water safe to drink?
North Salem (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 2,594 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for North Salem (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into North Salem (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4755). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4615). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for North Salem (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
North Salem (T)'s water system has 146 total violations on record, including 26 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 46 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Westchester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Ridgefield Brook, East Branch Croton River, Horse Pound Brook, West Branch Croton River, Titicus River Below June Road.
Where does North Salem (T)'s water come from?
North Salem (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 2,594 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ridgefield Brook (river), East Branch Croton River (river), Horse Pound Brook (river), West Branch Croton River (river), Titicus River Below June Road (river).
What North Salem (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in North Salem (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.
North Salem (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 droughtWestchester 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
Westchester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in North Salem (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. | 3.0 | 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. | 2.07 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how North Salem (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where North Salem (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where North Salem (T)'s water comes from
North Salem (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 2,594 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near North Salem (T)
North Salem (T) is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving North Salem (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUNSET RIDGE WATER DISTRICT | NY5905657 | 625 | GW |
| PIETSCHS GARDENS | NY5903467 | 337 | GU |
| BLOOMERSIDE WATER SUPPLY | NY5903448 | 300 | GW |
| PABST WATER DISTRICT | NY5903470 | 253 | GW |
| BRIDLESIDE APARTMENTS | NY5930137 | 230 | GW |
| CROTON FALLS WATER DISTRICT | NY5903424 | 216 | GU |
| SALEM CHASE | NY5930027 | 175 | GW |
| COTSWOLD WATER SUPPLY | NY5920706 | 150 | GW |
| SALEM ACRES ASSOC | NY5903466 | 138 | GW |
| CANDLEWOOD PARK WATER DISTRICT | NY5903449 | 125 | GW |
| JUENGSTVILLE FARM ASSOCIATION | NY5916740 | 45 | GW |
How North Salem (T) compares
Full New York rankings →North Salem (T)'s score of 46/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About North Salem (T), NY
Wikipedia →North Salem is the northernmost town in Westchester County, New York, United States. The town, incorporated in 1788, is a suburb of New York City, located approximately 50 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. As of the 2020 census, North Salem was recorded as possessing a population of 5,243 people living on a land area of 21.37 square miles.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to North Salem (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Westchester
Frequently asked questions
Is North Salem (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
North Salem (T)'s water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #826 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in North Salem (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is North Salem (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 North Salem (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does North Salem (T)'s water come from?
North Salem (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 2,594 residents.
What health violations has North Salem (T)'s water system had?
North Salem (T) has 26 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is North Salem (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
North Salem (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 146 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 North Salem (T)'s water compare to other cities?
North Salem (T) ranks #826 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 3% of state cities) and #14002 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.