Loading water data...
All 5 cities ranked by water quality score
How New York's 5 cities are distributed by water quality grade
5 out of 5 cities meet or exceed a B grade for water quality
The best water quality in New York is found in New York with a score of 95/100 and a grade of A+. This puts New York among the top-performing cities in the country for drinking water safety.
The most concerning water quality is in Buffalo scoring 86/100 with a grade of A-. Residents may want to consider home water testing and filtration options.
The statewide average score is 93/100, which is 21 points above the national average of 72/100. A strong majority (100%) of New York cities exceed the national average, indicating generally good water infrastructure across the state.
New York tap water averages 93/100. Even with solid scores, a certified filter removes trace contaminants and improves taste — especially useful for households with young children or anyone sensitive to chlorine or lead.
Best for Multi-Contaminant Removal
APEC Reverse Osmosis System
Removes lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrates, fluoride & 99%+ of contaminants. NSF certified.
Check Price on AmazonBest Pitcher Filter (Renter-Friendly)
Clearly Filtered 3-Stage Pitcher
Lab-tested against 365+ contaminants including lead, PFAS & chlorine. No installation needed.
Check Price on AmazonWe may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
New York has the best water quality in New York with a score of 95/100 and a grade of A+. This score is based on contaminant levels, EPA compliance history, and infrastructure quality. New York ranks among the top cities nationally for water quality.
Water quality varies across New York. The state average score is 93/100. 100% of New York cities have good water quality (grade B or better). All cities in New York maintain at least a C-grade, though individual results can vary by neighborhood and home plumbing. Always check your specific city's water quality report for the most accurate local information.
Of the 5 cities tracked in New York, 0 cities have a D or F grade, indicating significant water quality concerns. 5 out of 5 cities (100%) score above the national average of 72/100. Residents concerned about their water quality can check their city's detailed report for specific contaminant information.
This page serves as a comprehensive water quality report for all 5 New York cities, compiled from EPA contaminant data and compliance records. Each city link provides an individual water quality report with safety grade, top contaminants, and infrastructure assessment. For official Consumer Confidence Reports (CCR), contact your local water utility — federal law requires all community water systems to deliver an annual CCR to customers. The New York state environmental agency and the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) also publish official water quality data.
State water quality summary and key statistics
Top 20 cities with the cleanest water
Top-ranked cities nationwide
Cities with the most concerning water
Compare water quality across all 50 states
Side-by-side water quality comparison