Is Northumberland (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.3/100
waterverge.com Northumberland (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Northumberland (T)'s drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.3 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,162 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 161 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Northumberland (T)'s water
Northumberland (T) ranks #777 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Northumberland (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, Northumberland (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 74 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Northumberland (T), NY water safe to drink?
Northumberland (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,162 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Northumberland (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Northumberland (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.3/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Nitrate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Northumberland (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Northumberland (T)'s water system has 161 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 74 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Saratoga County has experienced 5 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 Glowegee Creek, Saratoga Lake.
Where does Northumberland (T)'s water come from?
Northumberland (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,162 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Glowegee Creek (river), Saratoga Lake (lake).
What Northumberland (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Northumberland (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.
Northumberland (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
Saratoga County has experienced 5 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Northumberland (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Northumberland (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Northumberland (T)'s water comes from
Northumberland (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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,162 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Northumberland (T)
Northumberland (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Northumberland (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERREL HILLS SUBDIVISION | NY4511623 | 800 | GW |
| SHELLY PARK | NY4501797 | 335 | GW |
| COLEBROOK TRAILER COURT | NY4501788 | 27 | GW |
How Northumberland (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Northumberland (T)'s score of 51.3/100 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 Northumberland (T), NY
Wikipedia →Saratoga Springs is a city in Saratoga County, New York, United States. The population was 28,491 at the 2020 census. The name reflects the presence of mineral springs in the area, which has made Saratoga a popular resort destination for over 200 years. It is home to the Saratoga Race Course, a thoroughbred horse racing track operated by the New York Racing Association, and Saratoga Performing Arts Center, a music and dance venue. The city's official slogan is "Health, History, and Horses".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Northumberland (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Saratoga
Frequently asked questions
Is Northumberland (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Northumberland (T)'s water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #777 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Northumberland (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 161 violations are on record.
How is Northumberland (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 Northumberland (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Northumberland (T)'s water come from?
Northumberland (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,162 residents.
What health violations has Northumberland (T)'s water system had?
Northumberland (T) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Northumberland (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Northumberland (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 161 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 Northumberland (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Northumberland (T) ranks #777 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 9% of state cities) and #12884 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.