Is Putnam Valley (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Putnam Valley (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Putnam Valley (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 580 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 49 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Putnam Valley (T)'s water
Putnam Valley (T) ranks #361 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Putnam Valley (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, Putnam Valley (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Putnam Valley (T), NY water safe to drink?
Putnam Valley (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 580 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Putnam Valley (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Putnam Valley (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
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).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Radium-228, Radium-226, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Putnam Valley (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
Putnam Valley (T)'s water system has 49 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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. Local water sources include West Branch Croton River, W Br Croton River Below Dam, Muscoot River, Muscoot River Below Dam, Croton R.
Where does Putnam Valley (T)'s water come from?
Putnam Valley (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 580 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Branch Croton River (river), W Br Croton River Below Dam (river), Muscoot River (river), Muscoot River Below Dam (river), Croton R (river).
What Putnam Valley (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Putnam Valley (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.
Putnam Valley (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 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 Putnam Valley (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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Putnam Valley (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Putnam Valley (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Putnam Valley (T)'s water comes from
Putnam Valley (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 580 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Putnam Valley (T)
Putnam Valley (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 Putnam Valley (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLORADAN LODGE | NY3903657 | 400 | GW |
| GLENMAR GARDENS IMPROVMT DIST | NY3905713 | 130 | GW |
| HIGHFIELDS CONDO | NY3921739 | 50 | GW |
How Putnam Valley (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Putnam Valley (T)'s score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Putnam Valley (T), NY
Wikipedia →Putnam Valley is a town in Putnam County, New York, United States. The population was 11,762 at the 2020 census. Its location is northeast of New York City, in the southwestern part of Putnam County. Putnam Valley calls itself the "Town of Lakes".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Putnam Valley (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Putnam Valley (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Putnam Valley (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #361 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Putnam Valley (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Putnam Valley (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 Putnam Valley (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Putnam Valley (T)'s water come from?
Putnam Valley (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 580 residents.
What health violations has Putnam Valley (T)'s water system had?
Putnam Valley (T) has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Putnam Valley (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Putnam Valley (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 49 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 Putnam Valley (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Putnam Valley (T) ranks #361 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 58% of state cities) and #4106 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.