Water quality in Newburgh: What you need to know

When you turn on the tap in Newburgh, New York, you probably don’t consider the careful treatment it has gone through before reaching your faucet—or what may still be present afterward. Learning how your water is sourced and treated, and what that means for you, is one of the best ways to feel confident about what you drink, cook with, and clean with every day.

Is the water in Newburgh safe to drink?

According to the City of Newburgh’s 2024 Annual Water Quality Report, the city’s drinking water met all state and federal standards for safety and quality, with no violations reported during the most recent testing year. Newburgh’s water system serves about 29,000 people through more than 6,400 service connections, providing about 3.2 million gallons of treated water each day. The water department conducts regular testing to ensure that the system stays within U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New York State Department of Health limits.

Like most municipal supplies, Newburgh’s water may contain small amounts of minerals and naturally occurring substances, as well as trace byproducts formed during disinfection or picked up from plumbing. Many households still choose additional filtration to further reduce these substances or to address emerging contaminants that are not yet fully regulated.

The 2024 report identities some regulated substances detected at low levels. These include:

• Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs): Measured at up to 13.2 parts per billion (ppb), well below the EPA limit of 80 ppb. TTHMs form when chlorine used for disinfection reacts with organic material in water.
• Haloacetic Acids (HAA5): Detected at up to 5.8 ppb, below the EPA maximum of 60 ppb.
• Fluoride: Maintained at an average of 0.68 parts per million (ppm), consistent with the optimal level for dental health recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Lead and Copper: Testing found less than 1.0 ppb for lead and a 0.16 ppm average for copper, both well under federal action levels

Although the city’s water met all standards, the report notes that lead can still enter water through household plumbing made with older materials. The city maintains a service line inventory to identify and help replace these lines. The EPA provides more information and testing resources here for residents concerned about lead.

In addition, local water data from the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) highlights that while Newburgh’s water complies with all state and federal limits, several substances have been detected at trace levels that the EWG’s own health guidelines consider higher than ideal.

These include disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes (TTHMs) and haloacetic acids (HAA5), also noted above.. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA limits and are based on the organization’s independent research rather than regulatory requirements. For most residents, these levels remain within legal and commonly accepted ranges, but households seeking an added margin of protection often use activated carbon or reverse osmosis filtration to further reduce these compounds.

How is Newburgh’s water treated?

Per its water quality report, the City of Newburgh’s drinking water treatment plant is designed to produce up to 8.85 million gallons per day, more than twice the city’s typical daily usage. The system primarily draws from two water sources: the New York City Catskill Aqueduct and Brown’s Pond, also called Silver Stream Reservoir.

Before 2016, the city’s primary source was Washington Lake. That changed after elevated levels of PFAS (also known as “forever chemicals”) were discovered there, prompting a permanent switch to the Catskill Aqueduct, with Brown’s Pond as a backup source when the aqueduct is offline for maintenance. The city continues to work with state and federal agencies to remediate and protect Washington Lake

After collection, water undergoes several treatment stages, including coagulation, sedimentation, sand and granular activated carbon filtration, disinfection with chlorine, fluoridation, and corrosion control. These steps help ensure the water remains within EPA and state standards for quality and safety before entering the distribution system.

Forever chemicals in Newburgh

PFAS have been a focus of concern in Newburgh for several years. As noted above, in 2016 elevated levels of PFAS was found in Washington Lake, the city’s former main water source. The contamination was traced to firefighting foam used at the nearby Stewart Air National Guard Base.

Granular activated carbon filtration was added to address PFAS in affected water sources. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also has funded projects to intercept contaminated groundwater before it reaches Silver Stream, a tributary of Washington Lake. These efforts are part of a long-term plan to restore and safeguard local water resources.

While current sources meet all regulatory guidelines, PFAS remains an ongoing environmental concern with limited regulation. Some studies have linked long-term exposure to potential health risks, so continued monitoring and filtration remain essential to keeping Newburgh’s water within safe limits.

Well water in Newburgh

Most homes within city limits are connected to the municipal suuply, but a small portion of nearby residents rely on private wells. These wells are not regulated under federal drinking water laws, so it is up to homeowners to test them regularly and take steps as needed to ensure safety. Potential well water contaminants can include nitrates, bacteria and metals such as copper, lead and arsenic. For all well water users, regular testing helps identify issues early and allows homeowners to choose appropriate treatment if needed.

Does Newburgh have hard water?

The city’s annual report does not include hardness data, but local water testing results from Culligan of Newburgh shows an average hardness of 14.7 grains per gallon, which is considered very hard by standard measurements. Hard water is not a health concern, but it can cause damaging mineral buildup on plumbing, glassware and appliances. It can also make soaps and detergents less effective and leave residue on skin and hair.

If you notice white spots, scaling or dry skin after washing, your home may benefit from a water softening system. Hardness can vary by neighborhood, so a home water test is the best way to find your exact level.

Taking control of your water

Even when water meets all state and federal standards, it can still contain substances you may prefer to reduce—especially if your home has older plumbing or specific taste or odor issues. Every home’s water conditions are unique, which means your tap water may differ slightly from your neighbor’s.
To learn more about what’s in your water and whether additional filtration could help, schedule a free, in-home water test and consultation with Culligan of Newburgh.

Newburgh’s water system continues to meet all regulatory standards, supported by ongoing testing and infrastructure improvements. Staying informed and taking simple steps at home can help ensure cleaner, safer, great-tasting water for your family for years to come.