Is Watertown (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Watertown (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Watertown (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,175 residents using purchased surface water.
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 32 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watertown (T)'s water
Watertown (T) ranks #628 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 35.5 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Watertown (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watertown (T), NY water safe to drink?
Watertown (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (76.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,175 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Watertown (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watertown (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Chlorine.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
4 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). 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 Watertown (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watertown (T)'s water system has 32 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Black River.
Where does Watertown (T)'s water come from?
Watertown (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,175 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river).
What Watertown (T) 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.
Watertown (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
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Watertown (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Watertown (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watertown (T)'s water comes from
Watertown (T)'s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,175 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Watertown (T)
Watertown (T) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Watertown (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATERTOWN TOWN WD 3 & 4 & 5 | NY2202352 | 750 | SWP |
| WATERTOWN TOWN WD 1 & 2 | NY2202348 | 600 | SWP |
| NORTHLAND ESTATES | NY2201395 | 540 | GW |
| SOUTHSIDE WATER INC. | NY2221333 | 195 | SWP |
| COLD CREEK STUDIOS | NY2202257 | 90 | GW |
How Watertown (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Watertown (T)'s score of 76.8/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watertown (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Watertown (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Watertown (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #628 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Watertown (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Watertown (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 Watertown (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watertown (T)'s water come from?
Watertown (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,175 residents.
What health violations has Watertown (T)'s water system had?
Watertown (T) has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Watertown (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Watertown (T) ranks #628 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 27% of state cities) and #9185 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.