Is Saranac (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.8/100
waterverge.com Saranac (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Saranac (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (73.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 700 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 231 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saranac (T)'s water
Saranac (T) ranks #677 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Saranac (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, Saranac (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saranac (T), NY water safe to drink?
Saranac (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saranac (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saranac (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saranac (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saranac (T)'s water system has 231 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Saranac (T)'s water come from?
Saranac (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Saranac (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saranac (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.
Saranac (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
Flood & disaster history
Clinton County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saranac (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Saranac (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saranac (T)'s water comes from
Saranac (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 700 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Saranac (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDFORD WATER DISTRICT | NY0900222 | 500 | GW |
| STANDISH WATER DISTRICT | NY0900242 | 110 | GW |
| SARANAC WD | NY0900225 | 90 | GU |
How Saranac (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Saranac (T)'s score of 73.8/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Saranac (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saranac (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is Saranac (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Saranac (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (73.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #677 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Saranac (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 231 violations are on record.
How is Saranac (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 Saranac (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saranac (T)'s water come from?
Saranac (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Saranac (T)'s water system had?
Saranac (T) has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Saranac (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saranac (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 231 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 Saranac (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Saranac (T) ranks #677 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 21% of state cities) and #10025 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.