WaterVerge

Is Wilmington (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

980 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY1500300
Overall Score
89.8 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#246 of 855 in New York Top 17% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.8/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.8/100

Wilmington (T), NY — Water Quality Report

Wilmington (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 27 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Wilmington (T)'s water

Wilmington (T) ranks #246 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Wilmington (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.8 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Wilmington (T), NY water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Wilmington (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
5.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Wilmington (T)

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wilmington (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.8/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wilmington (T)'s water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Wilmington (T)'s water system has 27 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

TTMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2008 Lead Open
Feb 2008 Lead Open
Jan 2005 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Oct 2004 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Apr 2004 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Essex County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include W Br Ausable R Nr Lake Placid, White Brook, East Branch Ausable River.

SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4814
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4129
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351

Where does Wilmington (T)'s water come from?

Wilmington (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include W Br Ausable R Nr Lake Placid (river), White Brook (river), East Branch Ausable River (river).

What Wilmington (T) residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wilmington (T)'s water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Wilmington (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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 37% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

27
Total violations
3
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Aug 2008
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

27 Total
3 Active
3 Health-based
24 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
19
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Aug 2008 Active
Lead
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2008 Active
Lead
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2005 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2005
Oct 2004 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2004
Jan 2004 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2004
Jan 1994 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
2,4,5-TP
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Carbofuran
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Aldicarb sulfone
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
2,4-D
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Toxaphene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Endrin
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Aldicarb
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Pentachlorophenol
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1994
Showing 20 of 27 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Aug 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Essex County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2024
SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4814
Jul 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4129
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4020
Jun 2011
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA #1993
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Wilmington (T)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.6 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 5.6 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (5.6 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Wilmington (T) compares by contaminant

Explore where Wilmington (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
980
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Wilmington (T)'s water comes from

Surface Water

Wilmington (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 980 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Wilmington (T)

Wilmington (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

W Br Ausable R Nr Lake Placid
river
White Brook
river
East Branch Ausable River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Wilmington (T)

System Name PWSID Population Source
WILMINGTON WD NY1500300 980 SW
Regional Comparison

How Wilmington (T) compares

Full New York rankings →

Wilmington (T)'s score of 89.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Wilmington (T) (this city)
89.8
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Wilmington (T), NY

Wikipedia →

Wilmington is a town in northern Essex County, New York, United States located within the Adirondack Park. As of 2020 the population was 1,139 with a projection of ~1,280 for 2023. The town is named after the town of Wilmington, Vermont.

Economic Profile
$69,758
Median Income
$265,367
Median Home Value
$1,088/mo
Median Rent
2.5%
Unemployment
Community
49.1
Median Age
7
People / sq mi
34.8%
College Educated
79.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Wilmington (T), NY tap water safe to drink?

Wilmington (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #246 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Wilmington (T)'s water?

Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.

How is Wilmington (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 Wilmington (T)?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Wilmington (T)'s water come from?

Wilmington (T)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 980 residents.

What health violations has Wilmington (T)'s water system had?

Wilmington (T) has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

How does Wilmington (T)'s water compare to other cities?

Wilmington (T) ranks #246 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 71% of state cities) and #2599 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Wilmington (T)'s small water system affect quality?

Wilmington (T)'s system serves approximately 980 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 27 violations on record.