Is Salem (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.4/100
waterverge.com Salem (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Salem (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 915 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salem (V)'s water
Salem (V) ranks #401 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Salem (V) 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, Salem (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem (V), NY water safe to drink?
Salem (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 915 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salem (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4020). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salem (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salem (V)'s water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Batten Kill Below Mill.
Where does Salem (V)'s water come from?
Salem (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 915 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Batten Kill Below Mill (river).
What Salem (V) residents can do
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.
Salem (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
Flood & disaster history
Washington County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salem (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem (V)'s water comes from
Salem (V)'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 915 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salem (V)
Salem (V) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Salem (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALEM WATER DEPARTMENT | NY5730106 | 915 | GW |
How Salem (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Salem (V)'s score of 86.4/100 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 Salem (V), NY
Wikipedia →Salem is a town in eastern Washington County, New York, United States. It is part of the Glens Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area. The town population was 2,612 at the 2020 census. The town of Salem contains a hamlet also named Salem, formerly an incorporated village.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Salem (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #401 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Salem (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Salem (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 Salem (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem (V)'s water come from?
Salem (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 915 residents.
What health violations has Salem (V)'s water system had?
Salem (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Salem (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salem (V) 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 3 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 Salem (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Salem (V) ranks #401 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 53% of state cities) and #4732 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salem (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Salem (V)'s system serves approximately 915 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 3 violations on record.