Is Sunderland, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Sunderland, NY — Water Quality Report
Sunderland's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 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 70 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sunderland's water
Sunderland ranks #174 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Sunderland 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, Sunderland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sunderland, NY water safe to drink?
Sunderland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sunderland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sunderland's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
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: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Nitrite.
Contaminants: Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, Endothall.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sunderland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sunderland's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockland 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. Local water sources include Hackensack River, Lake Tappan At Old Tappan, Hackensack River At Rivervale, Pascack Brook At Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale.
Where does Sunderland's water come from?
Sunderland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hackensack River (river), Lake Tappan At Old Tappan (lake), Hackensack River At Rivervale (river), Pascack Brook At Park Ridge (river), Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale (lake).
What Sunderland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sunderland'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.
Sunderland'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
Rockland 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.
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 Sunderland compares by contaminant
Explore where Sunderland ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sunderland's water comes from
Sunderland'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 500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sunderland
Sunderland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sunderland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIFFSIDE APARTMENTS | MA1289001 | 500 | GW |
How Sunderland compares
Full New York rankings →Sunderland's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Sunderland, NY
Wikipedia →Spring Valley is a village in the town of Ramapo and Clarkstown in Rockland County, New York, United States. It is located north of Chestnut Ridge, east of Airmont and Monsey, south of Hillcrest, and west of Nanuet. The population was 33,066 at the 2020 census, making it the second most populous community in both Clarkstown and Rockland County, after New City.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sunderland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunderland, NY tap water safe to drink?
Sunderland's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #174 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Sunderland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Sunderland'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 Sunderland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sunderland's water come from?
Sunderland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 500 residents.
Is Sunderland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sunderland 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 70 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 Sunderland's water compare to other cities?
Sunderland ranks #174 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 80% of state cities) and #1893 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sunderland's small water system affect quality?
Sunderland's system serves approximately 500 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 70 violations on record.