C47/100
Saranac Lake Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,345 residents · New York
What's In Saranac Lake's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
SARANAC LAKE V
Population Served
5,345
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NY1600011
Frequently Asked Questions About Saranac Lake Water
Is Saranac Lake tap water safe to drink?
Saranac Lake, New York tap water receives a grade of C (47/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 34 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Saranac Lake's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Saranac Lake's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Saranac Lake have any water quality violations?
Yes, Saranac Lake has 34 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MR, TT, MCL. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Saranac Lake?
Saranac Lake water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Saranac Lake's tap water come from?
Saranac Lake's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SARANAC LAKE V. The system serves approximately 5,345 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Saranac Lake's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Saranac Lake's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Saranac Lake's water compare to other cities in New York?
Saranac Lake's water quality score of 47/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New York state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Saranac Lake's water quality?
If you have concerns about Saranac Lake's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (SARANAC LAKE V) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.