Is Tusten (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.6/100
waterverge.com Tusten (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Tusten (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (88.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 840 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 94 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tusten (T)'s water
Tusten (T) ranks #309 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tusten (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, Tusten (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tusten (T), NY water safe to drink?
Tusten (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 840 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tusten (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tusten (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.6/100).
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: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tusten (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tusten (T)'s water system has 94 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Mongaup River, Mongaup R Below Swinging Bridge Reservoir, Sheldrake Stream, Neversink River.
Where does Tusten (T)'s water come from?
Tusten (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 840 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mongaup River (river), Mongaup R Below Swinging Bridge Reservoir (river), Sheldrake Stream (river), Neversink River (river).
What Tusten (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tusten (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.
Tusten (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
Sullivan County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tusten (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Tusten (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tusten (T)'s water comes from
Tusten (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 840 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tusten (T)
Tusten (T) is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tusten (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NARROWSBURG WD | NY5203338 | 800 | GW |
| BLUE HERON MHP | NY5214752 | 40 | GW |
How Tusten (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Tusten (T)'s score of 88.6/100 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 Tusten (T), NY
Wikipedia →Monticello is a village located in Thompson, Sullivan County, within the Catskills region of New York, United States. It is the seat for the town of Thompson, and the county seat of Sullivan County. The population was 7,173 at the 2020 census. The village was named after the residence of Thomas Jefferson.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tusten (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sullivan
Frequently asked questions
Is Tusten (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Tusten (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (88.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #309 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Tusten (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.
How is Tusten (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 Tusten (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tusten (T)'s water come from?
Tusten (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 840 residents.
Is Tusten (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tusten (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 94 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 Tusten (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Tusten (T) ranks #309 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 64% of state cities) and #3371 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.