Water Quality in Brownville, NY: 8 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 52/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Brownville's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Brownville, NY includes 8 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Brownville
Water quality varies across Brownville's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13615 | D | 52 | 8 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Brownville.
Water Quality Overview
Brownville, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 52 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Brownville have accumulated 8 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,940 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Brownville's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Brownville water systems is 0.0074 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Brownville has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Brownville is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Brownville
Brownville is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,940 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Brownville. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Brownville
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Brownville Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Brownville's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Brownville:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
Violations have increased from 2 in 2022 to 4 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 1 enforcement action against water systems serving Brownville. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-11-19 | EPA Formal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-11-19.
Brownville vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Brownville's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brownville | D | 8 | 3 | 1,940 |
| Fly Creek | D | 0 | 1 | 1,926 |
| Johnsonville | D | 0 | 1 | 1,975 |
| North Rose | B | 2 | 1 | 1,975 |
Common Questions About Brownville Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Brownville, New York:
Is Brownville water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Brownville's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Brownville tap water? Brownville's water receives a grade of D (52/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Brownville? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Brownville vs. New York Average
Understanding how Brownville compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Brownville.
ZIP Codes in Brownville
Brownville spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13615. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.