Is Red Hook (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
67.7/100
Red Hook (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Red Hook (T)'s drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 4,639 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 158 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved.
What to know about Red Hook (T)'s water
Red Hook (T) ranks #726 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Red Hook (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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Red Hook (T), NY water safe to drink?
Red Hook (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 4,639 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Red Hook (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Red Hook (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Red Hook (T)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Red Hook (T)'s water system has 158 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 31 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Red Hook (T)'s water come from?
Red Hook (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 4,639 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Red Hook (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Red Hook (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 droughtDutchess 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Red Hook (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. | 6.0 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.810 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Red Hook (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Red Hook (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Red Hook (T)'s water comes from
Red Hook (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 4,639 people through 11 water systems.
Water systems serving Red Hook (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RED HOOK WATER DISTRICT #1 TOWN | NY1302788 | 1,610 | GU |
| BARD COLLEGE | NY1313839 | 1,400 | SW |
| WINDEMERE HIGHLANDS | NY1302808 | 403 | GW |
| DEVEREUX CENTER AT RED HOOK | NY1321999 | 321 | GW |
| MASSENA CAMPUS | NY1310450 | 200 | GW |
| MOUNTAIN VIEW MOBILE ESTATES | NY1302118 | 190 | GW |
| FAIRWAY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT | NY1330342 | 168 | GW |
| ROKEBY HOMES, INC. | NY1302799 | 160 | GW |
| NORTHERN DUTCHESS MOBILE HOME PARK | NY1302117 | 100 | GW |
| TRADITION AT RED HOOK | NY1330770 | 50 | GWP |
| LAMPLIGHT COURT MOBILE ESTATES | NY1310667 | 37 | GW |
How Red Hook (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Red Hook (T)'s score of 67.7/100 is below 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 Red Hook (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dutchess
Frequently asked questions
Is Red Hook (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Red Hook (T)'s water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #726 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Red Hook (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 158 violations are on record.
How is Red Hook (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 Red Hook (T)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Red Hook (T)'s water come from?
Red Hook (T)'s water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 4,639 residents.
What health violations has Red Hook (T)'s water system had?
Red Hook (T) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 31 violations remain unresolved.
Is Red Hook (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Red Hook (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 158 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 Red Hook (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Red Hook (T) ranks #726 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 15% of state cities) and #11194 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.