Water Quality in Watertown, NY: 20 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 48/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Watertown's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
According to EPA filings, Watertown, NY has 20 water compliance violations on record — sourced from SDWIS, the federal database that tracks reportable events for every registered public water system in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Watertown
Water quality varies across Watertown's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13603 | D | 46 | 10 | 7 | View report → |
| 13601 | D | 50 | 10 | 7 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Watertown.
Water Quality Overview
Watertown, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 48 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Watertown have accumulated 20 EPA violations, including 14 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 38,951 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Watertown'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 Watertown water systems is 0.0063 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 48% of homes built before 1986, Watertown 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
Watertown is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Watertown
Watertown is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 38,951 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Watertown. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Watertown
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 Watertown Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Watertown's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 12 | 2 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 2 | 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 Watertown:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10 | 10 |
| 2022 | 18 | 18 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 10 in 2021 to 2 in 2023, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Watertown. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-03-21 | EPA Formal Action |
| 2022-05-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-04-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-04-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-04-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2022-03-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-03-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-03-28 | EPA Formal Action |
| 2022-02-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-02-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-03-21.
Watertown vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Watertown's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watertown | D | 20 | 5 | 38,951 |
| Plattsburgh | B | 12 | 5 | 37,028 |
| Yorktown Heights | C | 5 | 5 | 36,902 |
| Port Washington | B | 18 | 2 | 36,900 |
Common Questions About Watertown Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Watertown, New York:
Is Watertown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Watertown's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Watertown tap water? Watertown's water receives a grade of D (48/100). There are 14 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Watertown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Watertown vs. New York Average
Understanding how Watertown 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 Watertown.
ZIP Codes in Watertown
Watertown spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13601. 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.