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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 5 cities in New York
It depends on your utility. 2 of the 5 New York water systems we grade from EPA records have a health-based violation in the last five years; the state averages 72/100 (16 below the national 88). Lowest graded: Syracuse (F). Highest: Buffalo (A).
New York's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 5 New York water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 72/100 — 16 points below the U.S. national average of 88/100. 40% of graded New York cities (2 of 5) score above that national benchmark, and 2 earn a Grade A. 2 cities have at least one health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in New York water systems are lead (aging infrastructure), pfas (industrial contamination) and haloacetic acids (disinfection byproducts). See the full breakdown in our New York water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in New York
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New York State has diverse water quality conditions ranging from New York City's world-renowned unfiltered watershed system to communities facing aging infrastructure challenges. The state's varied geography includes protected mountain watersheds, Great Lakes communities, and densely populated urban areas, each with distinct water quality considerations.
Across the 5 New York cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 72/100. 2 cities score below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Buffalo with a score of 98/100, while Syracuse has the most room for improvement at 29/100.
2 of the 5 New York cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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New York City receives unfiltered water from protected Catskill and Delaware watershed reservoirs. Upstate communities draw from the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, rivers, and local aquifers. Long Island depends entirely on groundwater from its aquifer system. Water sources and quality vary significantly by region.
These contaminants have been detected in various New York water systems
New York State Department of Health regulates drinking water and has established some standards stricter than federal requirements. The state has been particularly active in addressing PFAS contamination and lead in school drinking water. New York City's watershed protection program is internationally recognized.
Older homes throughout New York may have lead service lines or lead solder in plumbing. Long Island residents should be aware of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane contamination in groundwater. Agricultural regions may have nitrate concerns. Some communities have struggled with disinfection byproduct levels.
New York residents in older homes should test for lead, especially if there are young children. Let water run for 30 seconds before drinking in homes with lead concerns. Consider activated carbon filters for chlorine taste and certified PFAS removal systems in affected areas. Review your water utility's Consumer Confidence Report annually.
Water quality in New York varies by utility. EPA records give an average score of 72/100 across 5 graded cities, with 2 scoring below 70. We recommend checking your specific city's report and considering filtration if needed.
The most common water quality concerns in New York include lead (aging infrastructure), pfas (industrial contamination), haloacetic acids (disinfection byproducts). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 2 New York cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in New York are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in New York water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in New York. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual New York city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Buffalo has the highest water quality score in New York at 98/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in New York page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in New York are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area