Is Cold Spring (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.5/100
waterverge.com Cold Spring (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Cold Spring (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (71.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 5,056 residents using surface water.
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 157 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cold Spring (V)'s water
Cold Spring (V) ranks #693 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.06 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cold Spring (V), NY water safe to drink?
Cold Spring (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 5,056 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cold Spring (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cold Spring (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cold Spring (V)'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
Cold Spring (V)'s water system has 157 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam 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.
Where does Cold Spring (V)'s water come from?
Cold Spring (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 5,056 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Cold Spring (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cold Spring (V)'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.
Cold Spring (V)'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 droughtPutnam 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
Putnam 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 Cold Spring (V)'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cold Spring (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Cold Spring (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cold Spring (V)'s water comes from
Cold Spring (V)'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 5,056 people through 9 water systems.
Water systems serving Cold Spring (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLD SPRING VILLAGE | NY3903652 | 2,666 | SW |
| CONTINENTAL VILLAGE WD | NY3903655 | 1,509 | SWP |
| GRAYMOOR VILLAGE | NY3905710 | 350 | GW |
| GLASSBURY COURT AT COLD SPRING | NY3909004 | 250 | GW |
| GARRISON LANDING WS | NY3903653 | 84 | GW |
| WALTER HOVING HOME | NY3902997 | 75 | GW |
| SAINT BASILS ACADEMY | NY3916014 | 50 | GW |
| POST ROAD MOBILE HOME PARK | NY3901352 | 43 | GW |
| COLD SPRING TRAILER COURT | NY3901354 | 29 | GW |
How Cold Spring (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Cold Spring (V)'s score of 71.5/100 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 →About Cold Spring (V), NY
Wikipedia →Cold Spring is a village in the town of Philipstown in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 1,986 at the 2020 census. It borders the smaller village of Nelsonville and the hamlets of Garrison and North Highlands. The central area of the village is on the National Register of Historic Places as the Cold Spring Historic District due to its many well-preserved 19th-century buildings, constructed to accommodate workers at the nearby West Point Foundry, now a Registered Historic Place. The town is the birthplace of General Gouverneur K. Warren, who was an important figure in the Union Army during the Civil War.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cold Spring (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Cold Spring (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Cold Spring (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (71.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #693 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Cold Spring (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 157 violations are on record.
How is Cold Spring (V)'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 Cold Spring (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cold Spring (V)'s water come from?
Cold Spring (V)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 5,056 residents.
What health violations has Cold Spring (V)'s water system had?
Cold Spring (V) has 5 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. 16 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cold Spring (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Cold Spring (V) ranks #693 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 19% of state cities) and #10531 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.