Is Oriskany Falls (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
89.3/100
waterverge.com Oriskany Falls (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Oriskany Falls (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 682 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 25 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oriskany Falls (V)'s water
Oriskany Falls (V) ranks #270 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Oriskany Falls (V) relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Oriskany Falls (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oriskany Falls (V), NY water safe to drink?
Oriskany Falls (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 682 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Oriskany Falls (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oriskany Falls (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oriskany Falls (V)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Oriskany Falls (V)'s water system has 25 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Oneida County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Oriskany Falls (V)'s water come from?
Oriskany Falls (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 682 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Oriskany Falls (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oriskany Falls (V)'s water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Oriskany Falls (V)'s area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Oneida County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Oriskany Falls (V)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oriskany Falls (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Oriskany Falls (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oriskany Falls (V)'s water comes from
Oriskany Falls (V)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 682 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Oriskany Falls (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORISKANY FALLS VILLAGE | NY3203519 | 682 | GW |
How Oriskany Falls (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Oriskany Falls (V)'s score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Oriskany Falls (V), NY
Wikipedia →Oriskany Falls is a village in Oneida County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Oriskany Falls had a population of 658. The name is derived from a waterfall on a nearby stream. The village is largely in the southeast section of the town of Augusta, but partly overlaps the town of Marshall. The community is at the intersection of routes 12B and 26, which share a brief concurrency within the village and south to Bouckville.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oriskany Falls (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oneida
Frequently asked questions
Is Oriskany Falls (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Oriskany Falls (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #270 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Oriskany Falls (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Oriskany Falls (V)'s water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Oriskany Falls (V)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oriskany Falls (V)'s water come from?
Oriskany Falls (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 682 residents.
What health violations has Oriskany Falls (V)'s water system had?
Oriskany Falls (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2008. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Oriskany Falls (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Oriskany Falls (V) uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 25 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Oriskany Falls (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Oriskany Falls (V) ranks #270 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 68% of state cities) and #2931 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Oriskany Falls (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Oriskany Falls (V)'s system serves approximately 682 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 25 violations on record.