Is Rhinebeck (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
74.8/100
Rhinebeck (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Rhinebeck (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (74.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 665 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 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 220 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rhinebeck (T)'s water
Rhinebeck (T) ranks #656 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rhinebeck (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.
As a small community water system, Rhinebeck (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rhinebeck (T), NY water safe to drink?
Rhinebeck (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 665 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rhinebeck (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rhinebeck (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.8/100).
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: Barium, Cadmium, Chromium.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rhinebeck (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.
Violation history
Rhinebeck (T)'s water system has 220 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dutchess County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Esopus Creek, Rondout Creek.
Where does Rhinebeck (T)'s water come from?
Rhinebeck (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 665 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Esopus Creek (river), Rondout Creek (river).
What Rhinebeck (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rhinebeck (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.
Rhinebeck (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 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.
Flood & disaster history
Dutchess County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rhinebeck (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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rhinebeck (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Rhinebeck (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rhinebeck (T)'s water comes from
Rhinebeck (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 665 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Rhinebeck (T)
Rhinebeck (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 Rhinebeck (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAMAPO FOR CHILDREN | NY1330310 | 480 | GW |
| RHINEBECK MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | NY1302135 | 100 | GW |
| COVE VIEW APARTMENTS | NY1303218 | 60 | GW |
| RAMAPO APARTMENTS | NY1318861 | 25 | GW |
How Rhinebeck (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Rhinebeck (T)'s score of 74.8/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Rhinebeck (T), NY
Wikipedia →Rhinebeck is a village in the town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County, New York, United States. The population was 2,657 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh metropolitan area as well as the larger New York metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rhinebeck (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dutchess
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhinebeck (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Rhinebeck (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (74.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #656 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Rhinebeck (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 220 violations are on record.
How is Rhinebeck (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 Rhinebeck (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 Rhinebeck (T)'s water come from?
Rhinebeck (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 665 residents.
What health violations has Rhinebeck (T)'s water system had?
Rhinebeck (T) has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rhinebeck (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rhinebeck (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 220 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 Rhinebeck (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Rhinebeck (T) ranks #656 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 23% of state cities) and #9756 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.