Is Shelter Island (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 ↓
59.1/100
waterverge.com Shelter Island (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Shelter Island (T)'s drinking water received a grade of C- (59.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 577 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 200 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shelter Island (T)'s water
Shelter Island (T) ranks #755 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Shelter Island (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, Shelter Island (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 29 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shelter Island (T), NY water safe to drink?
Shelter Island (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 577 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shelter Island (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shelter Island (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Simazine, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate.
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: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shelter Island (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
Shelter Island (T)'s water system has 200 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 29 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Suffolk 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.
Where does Shelter Island (T)'s water come from?
Shelter Island (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 577 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Shelter Island (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shelter Island (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.
Shelter Island (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 droughtSuffolk 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
Suffolk 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 Shelter Island (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. | 1.85 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shelter Island (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Shelter Island (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shelter Island (T)'s water comes from
Shelter Island (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 577 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Shelter Island (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHELTER ISLAND HEIGHTS ASSOCIATION | NY5103243 | 463 | GW |
| WEST NECK WATER DISTRICT | NY5110623 | 100 | GW |
| DERING HARBOR WATER DISTRICT | NY5103700 | 14 | GW |
How Shelter Island (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Shelter Island (T)'s score of 59.1/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Shelter Island (T), NY
Wikipedia →Shelter Island Heights is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in the Town of Shelter Island, in Suffolk County, New York, United States. It is located on the north side of Shelter Island, surrounding the village of Dering Harbor. The population was 1,601 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shelter Island (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Suffolk
Frequently asked questions
Is Shelter Island (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Shelter Island (T)'s water quality earned a grade of C- (59.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #755 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Shelter Island (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 200 violations are on record.
How is Shelter Island (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 Shelter Island (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shelter Island (T)'s water come from?
Shelter Island (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 577 residents.
What health violations has Shelter Island (T)'s water system had?
Shelter Island (T) has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shelter Island (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shelter Island (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 200 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 Shelter Island (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Shelter Island (T) ranks #755 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 12% of state cities) and #12214 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.