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Arsenic Contamination

Arsenic in New York Drinking Water

Ranked by arsenic violation count · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

267
Cities Tested
267
Has Violations
100%
% Has Violations
3.3 violations
State Avg
▼ 0% vs national
vs National
630
Health Violations
Analysis

Arsenic in New York: what the data shows

New York has 267 cities with arsenic-related violations on record. Arsenic contamination is a federal MCL violation at levels above 10 µg/L (10 ppb). The state has 267 cities with at least one arsenic violation. Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through erosion of natural deposits, particularly in western states with arsenite-bearing geology. Industrial sources include mining runoff, glass manufacturing, and semiconductor production. Groundwater systems are significantly more likely to have arsenic issues than surface water systems. Long-term arsenic exposure above the MCL increases the risk of bladder, lung, and skin cancer, as well as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Reverse osmosis and specialized arsenic-removal media are the most effective point-of-use treatment options.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 10 µg/L EPA MCL

New York
100%
267 of 267 cities
← = Exactly at national rate
National avg
100%
5489 of 5489 cities
City Map

Arsenic data across New York

Each dot is a city with arsenic violation data. Cities with at least one arsenic-related violation are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

New York city water quality map
Water quality: A B C D F
14 cities mapped · hover to preview · click to explore
Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by arsenic level in New York

Highest Arsenic levels (violations)

  1. 1 D Windham (T) 76 violations Yes 3K
  2. 2 F Cairo (T) 40 violations Yes 2K
  3. 3 C+ Friendship (T) 40 violations Yes 1K
  4. 4 B- Clarkstown (T) 31 violations Yes 285K
  5. 5 B Dryden (V) 25 violations Yes 3K
  6. 6 B- Schoharie (T) 22 violations Yes 675
  7. 7 D Kinderhook (V) 19 violations Yes 2K
  8. 8 A Caneadea (T) 16 violations Yes 2K
  9. 9 D Thompson (T) 14 violations Yes 9K
  10. 10 A- Cazenovia (T) 14 violations Yes 755
All Cities

All New York cities ranked by arsenic level

# City Level Level Violations? Violations Grade
1 Windham (T) 76 violations
Yes 73
D
2 Cairo (T) 40 violations
Yes 45
F
3 Friendship (T) 40 violations
Yes 38
C+
4 Clarkstown (T) 31 violations
Yes 11
B-
5 Dryden (V) 25 violations
Yes 26
B
6 Schoharie (T) 22 violations
Yes 94
B-
7 Kinderhook (V) 19 violations
Yes 22
D
8 Caneadea (T) 16 violations
Yes 16
A
9 Thompson (T) 14 violations
Yes 6
D
10 Cazenovia (T) 14 violations
Yes 17
A-
11 Chautauqua (T) 12 violations
Yes 41
F
12 Hyde Park (T) 11 violations
Yes 37
F
13 Hurley (T) 11 violations
Yes 13
D
14 Eaton (T) 11 violations
Yes 12
B+
15 Florida (T) 10 violations
Yes 31
D
16 East Fishkill (T) 8 violations
Yes 21
F
17 Andover Twp.-1902 8 violations
Yes 9
D+
18 Rochester (T) 8 violations
Yes 10
F
19 Maybrook (V) 7 violations
Yes 0
B+
20 Mount Hope (T) 7 violations
Yes 15
C-
21 Newburgh (T) 6 violations
Yes 50
F
22 Horseheads (V) 6 violations
Yes 6
D+
23 Wawarsing (T) 6 violations
Yes 7
D
24 Blooming Grove (T) 6 violations
Yes 5
D
25 Montgomery (T) 6 violations
Yes 8
D
26 Monsey 6 violations
Yes 6
C-
27 Campbell (T) 6 violations
Yes 0
C
28 Lake George (T) 6 violations
Yes 6
B
29 Mayfield (T) 6 violations
Yes 2
D+
30 Queensbury (T) 5 violations
Yes 2
F
31 Wilton (T) 5 violations
Yes 7
D
32 Milton (T) 5 violations
Yes 28
D
33 Moriah (T) 5 violations
Yes 16
A-
34 Monroe (T) 5 violations
Yes 10
F
35 Plattekill (T) 5 violations
Yes 4
D+
36 Bolton (T) 5 violations
Yes 13
C+
37 Wawayanda (T) 5 violations
Yes 10
D
38 Yorkshire (T) 5 violations
Yes 5
A-
39 Greenfield (T) 5 violations
Yes 16
D+
40 Copake (T) 5 violations
Yes 1
C
41 Bath (T) 5 violations
Yes 7
D+
42 Saranac (T) 5 violations
Yes 9
B-
43 Livingston (T) 5 violations
Yes 4
D+
44 New Windsor (T) 4 violations
Yes 14
D+
45 Wallkill (T) 4 violations
Yes 23
F
46 Woodbury (T) 4 violations
Yes 18
C+
47 Bedford (T) 4 violations
Yes 9
D
48 New Paltz (T) 4 violations
Yes 4
C+
49 Potsdam (V) 4 violations
Yes 14
B+
50 Bethel (T) 4 violations
Yes 3
B
51 Bethel (T) 4 violations
Yes 10
C
52 Rosendale (T) 4 violations
Yes 3
D
53 Pleasant Valley (T) 4 violations
Yes 6
C-
54 Chesterfield (T) 4 violations
Yes 57
B-
55 Long Lake (T) 4 violations
Yes 8
B
56 Colchester (T) 4 violations
Yes 5
F
57 Wappinger (T) 3 violations
Yes 9
D
58 Highlands (T) 3 violations
Yes 22
B
59 Owego (V) 3 violations
Yes 5
B-
60 Saugerties (T) 3 violations
Yes 6
F
61 Warwick (T) 3 violations
Yes 58
D+
62 Esopus (T) 3 violations
Yes 25
D
63 Chester (T) 3 violations
Yes 25
D+
64 Lloyd (T) 3 violations
Yes 4
B-
65 Red Hook (T) 3 violations
Yes 1
C+
66 Warrensburg (T) 3 violations
Yes 20
D
67 Woodbury (T) 3 violations
Yes 19
B
68 Amsterdam (T) 3 violations
Yes 31
D
69 Webb (T) 3 violations
Yes 9
D
70 Whitehall (V) 3 violations
Yes 54
C+
71 Schroon (T) 3 violations
Yes 3
A-
72 Lagrange (T) 3 violations
Yes 0
F
73 Corinth (V) 3 violations
Yes 3
B+
74 Kent (T) 3 violations
Yes 4
C
75 Johnsburg (T) 3 violations
Yes 0
B
76 Brooklyn 3 violations
Yes 54
D
77 Dannemora (T) 3 violations
Yes 10
B
78 Canaseraga (V) 3 violations
Yes 1
D+
79 Odessa (V) 3 violations
Yes 0
A-
80 Rhinebeck (T) 3 violations
Yes 3
B-
81 Smithtown (T) 2 violations
Yes 11
D
82 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
83 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
84 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
85 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
86 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
87 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
88 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
89 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
90 Tuckahoe (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
B-
91 Saratoga Sprngs (C) 2 violations
Yes 3
A-
92 Ossining (T) 2 violations
Yes 6
C
93 New Castle (T) 2 violations
Yes 3
B
94 Fallsburg (T) 2 violations
Yes 2
F
95 Chenango (T) 2 violations
Yes 17
F
96 Fredonia (V) 2 violations
Yes 0
D
97 Geneseo (V) 2 violations
Yes 7
A-
98 Alfred (V) 2 violations
Yes 2
C
99 Tupper Lake (V) 2 violations
Yes 67
C+
100 Saranac Lake (V) 2 violations
Yes 4
A
101 Erwin (T) 2 violations
Yes 2
D+
102 Shawangunk (T) 2 violations
Yes 7
B-
103 Goshen (T) 2 violations
Yes 20
F
104 South Glens Falls (V) 2 violations
Yes 2
A-
105 Ticonderoga (T) 2 violations
Yes 4
A-
106 Dover (T) 2 violations
Yes 34
D
107 Fenton (T) 2 violations
Yes 8
D+
108 Walton (V) 2 violations
Yes 1
B
109 Frankfort (V) 2 violations
Yes 2
A-
110 Peru (T) 2 violations
Yes 55
D
111 North Salem (T) 2 violations
Yes 26
D
112 Amenia (T) 2 violations
Yes 4
D+
113 Belmont (V) 2 violations
Yes 2
B+
114 Wolcott (V) 2 violations
Yes 5
A
115 Pawling (T) 2 violations
Yes 39
C-
116 Moravia (V) 2 violations
Yes 2
A-
117 Elbridge (V) 2 violations
Yes 21
C
118 St. Johnsville (V) 2 violations
Yes 1
A-
119 Willsboro (T) 2 violations
Yes 4
A-
120 Milo (T) 2 violations
Yes 8
B
121 Schroeppel (T) 2 violations
Yes 23
C-
122 Naples (V) 2 violations
Yes 7
B+
123 Northumberland (T) 2 violations
Yes 1
D+
124 Unadilla (V) 2 violations
Yes 3
D+
125 Edmeston (T) 2 violations
Yes 1
A-
126 Fultonville (V) 2 violations
Yes 0
C
127 Guilford (T) 2 violations
Yes 0
A
128 Nichols (V) 2 violations
Yes 0
B
129 Mexico (T) 2 violations
Yes 0
A
130 Montezuma (T) 2 violations
Yes 12
A-
131 New York (C) 1 violations
Yes 11
A-
132 Smithtown (T) 1 violations
Yes 7
B-
133 Hempstead (T) 1 violations
Yes 14
D
134 Kiryas Joel (V) 1 violations
Yes 3
D+
135 Mount Pleasant (T) 1 violations
Yes 36
C
136 Newburgh (C) 1 violations
Yes 17
A-
137 Grand Island (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
C+
138 Massena (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
139 Johnson City (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
140 Oneonta (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
C
141 Carmel (T) 1 violations
Yes 17
C-
142 Monroe (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
143 Oneida (C) 1 violations
Yes 3
A
144 Oneida (C) 1 violations
Yes 3
A
145 Malta (T) 1 violations
Yes 3
D
146 Tarrytown (V) 1 violations
Yes 3
B+
147 Hornell (C) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
148 Ballston (T) 1 violations
Yes 6
B+
149 Hornell (C) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
150 Hornell (C) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
151 Waterford (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
152 Cornwall-On-Hudson (V) 1 violations
Yes 3
B+
153 Briarcliff Manor (V) 1 violations
Yes 9
A-
154 Port Jervis (C) 1 violations
Yes 12
A-
155 Big Flats (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
A-
156 Ulster (T) 1 violations
Yes 3
F
157 Catskill (V) 1 violations
Yes 102
F
158 Herkimer (V) 1 violations
Yes 44
F
159 Johnstown (C) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
160 Croton-On-Hudson (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A
161 New Baltimore (T) 1 violations
Yes 22
B
162 Ballston Spa (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
B
163 Dannemora (V) 1 violations
Yes 6
A-
164 Salamanca (C) 1 violations
Yes 0
C-
165 Barton (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
B
166 Penn Yan (V) 1 violations
Yes 8
B-
167 Lewisboro (T) 1 violations
Yes 24
D
168 Cold Spring (V) 1 violations
Yes 5
B-
169 Hoosick Falls (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A-
170 Fort Edward(V) 1 violations
Yes 4
B
171 Kingsbury (T) 1 violations
Yes 9
C+
172 Ellenville (V) 1 violations
Yes 15
C+
173 Springville (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
174 Gouverneur (V) 1 violations
Yes 11
A
175 Greenport (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
C-
176 Highland Falls (V) 1 violations
Yes 3
A-
177 New Baltimore (T) 1 violations
Yes 19
A-
178 New Baltimore (T) 1 violations
Yes 19
A-
179 Lowville (V) 1 violations
Yes 39
B
180 Liberty (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
181 Delhi (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
D
182 Schaghticoke (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
B
183 Mount Morris (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
184 Chester (V) 1 violations
Yes 4
B-
185 North Elba (T) 1 violations
Yes 6
C+
186 Cambridge (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
187 Jerusalem (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
188 Owasco (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
189 Paris (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
A
190 Cold Spring (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
191 Kirkwood (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
192 Jay (T) 1 violations
Yes 8
B-
193 Newfield (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
B
194 Granville (V) 1 violations
Yes 6
B+
195 Plant City 1 violations
Yes 5
A
196 Norfolk (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
B-
197 Fort Plain (V) 1 violations
Yes 7
A-
198 Easton (T) 1 violations
Yes 12
B+
199 Easton (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
A
200 Dolgeville (V) 1 violations
Yes 16
B
201 Holley (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
202 Stockport (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
B
203 Schuyler Falls (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
C+
204 Union Springs (V) 1 violations
Yes 7
A
205 Hunter (V) 1 violations
Yes 24
C
206 Dryden (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
C
207 Hadley (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
A
208 Franklinville (V) 1 violations
Yes 4
A-
209 Oxford (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
210 Randolph (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
211 Fort Ann (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
B-
212 Wellsville 1 violations
Yes 0
B+
213 Stillwater (V) 1 violations
Yes 13
B+
214 Virgil (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
C
215 New Berlin (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
216 Fine (T) 1 violations
Yes 4
A-
217 Roxbury (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
D
218 South Corning (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B+
219 Indian Lake (T) 1 violations
Yes 46
B
220 Andover Twp.-1902 1 violations
Yes 3
D
221 Hunter (V) 1 violations
Yes 5
D
222 Brownville (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
223 Little Valley (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B
224 Hancock (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B
225 Castile (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A-
226 Andover (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
D+
227 Chateaugay (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
228 Newark Valley (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
229 Candor (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
B-
230 Locke (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
231 Portville (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B+
232 Ovid (V) 1 violations
Yes 11
B-
233 Beekmantown (T) 1 violations
Yes 6
D
234 Milford (V) 1 violations
Yes 4
D+
235 Davenport (T) 1 violations
Yes 8
F
236 Belfast (T) 1 violations
Yes 15
A-
237 Lyons Falls (V) 1 violations
Yes 5
A
238 Colden (T) 1 violations
Yes 7
D+
239 Coeymans (T) 1 violations
Yes 3
D+
240 Tusten (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
241 Afton (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A
242 Arkport (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
243 Glocester 1 violations
Yes 23
D+
244 Aurora (V) 1 violations
Yes 10
A-
245 Sinclairville (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
D+
246 Round Lake (V) 1 violations
Yes 17
A
247 Newport (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A-
248 Berlin (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
B-
249 Denning (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
250 Black Brook (T) 1 violations
Yes 2
B+
251 Hamptonburgh (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
D
252 Gerry (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
D+
253 Tannersville (V) 1 violations
Yes 6
B
254 German Flatts (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
B
255 Unionville (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
A
256 Cato (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
257 Margaretville (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B+
258 Ocala 1 violations
Yes 4
C+
259 Perrysburg (V) 1 violations
Yes 0
B+
260 Shelter Island (T) 1 violations
Yes 10
C-
261 Middleville (V) 1 violations
Yes 1
B
262 Greene (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
263 Poland (V) 1 violations
Yes 2
A
264 Hartwick (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
265 Hinsdale (T) 1 violations
Yes 13
B-
266 French Creek (T) 1 violations
Yes 0
A
267 Sunderland 1 violations
Yes 0
A
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about arsenic in New York

Is arsenic in New York tap water a concern?

Yes — 267 cities in New York have arsenic-related violations on record. The EPA MCL for arsenic is 10 µg/L. Even at levels below the MCL, long-term arsenic exposure has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular disease.

How can I remove arsenic from my drinking water in New York?

Reverse osmosis (RO) systems are the most effective at removing arsenic, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Specialized arsenic-removal media (such as iron-based adsorption filters) are also highly effective. Standard carbon filters and pitcher filters do NOT effectively remove arsenic. If your water comes from a private well, have it tested for arsenic.

Where does arsenic in New York water come from?

Arsenic enters drinking water primarily through natural erosion of arsenic-bearing rock formations. It is most common in groundwater systems in the western United States, parts of the Midwest, and New England. Industrial sources include mining, smelting, and agricultural pesticide residues. Groundwater sources are far more likely to contain arsenic than surface water.

More contaminants

Other contaminants in New York

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Ranked by 90th percentile level (ppb)
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PFAS in New York
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Copper in New York
Ranked by 90th percentile level (mg/L)
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HAA5 in New York
Ranked by average concentration (µg/L)
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Chromium-6 in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Nitrate in New York
Ranked by violation count
→
Strontium in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
1,4-Dioxane in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Manganese in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Vanadium in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Chlorate in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Molybdenum in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Cobalt in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
Lithium in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
NDMA in New York
Ranked by max detected (ng/L)
→
Perchlorate in New York
Ranked by max detected (µg/L)
→
All states

Arsenic in drinking water by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaQCRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
← Arsenic contamination overview Explore New York water quality → National Arsenic map →