WaterVerge

Is Aurora (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

800 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: NY0501714
Overall Score
86 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#421 of 855 in New York Top 32% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86/100
waterverge.com
A- 86/100

Aurora (V), NY — Water Quality Report

Aurora (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 800 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 51 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Aurora (V)'s water

Aurora (V) ranks #421 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

As a small community water system, Aurora (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Aurora (V), NY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Aurora (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Aurora (V)

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Aurora (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Aurora (V)'s water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Aurora (V)'s water system has 51 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2022 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2022 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2021 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2016 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Cayuga 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.

REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA DR-4625
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4348
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351

Where does Aurora (V)'s water come from?

Aurora (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Aurora (V) residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Aurora (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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

51
Total violations
10
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jan 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

51 Total
2 Active
10 Health-based
49 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
14
Inorganic Chemicals
11
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Interim and Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2022 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2022
Oct 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2021
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2016
Jan 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2015
Jul 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2015
Apr 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2015
Oct 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Oct 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jul 2014 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2014
Jan 2013 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Jan 2013 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Showing 20 of 51 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Cayuga 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.

Oct 2021
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA #4625
Nov 2017
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4348
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1095
Oct 1975
STORMS, RAINS, LANDSLIDES & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #487

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.0 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 2025 (5.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
800
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
1
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Aurora (V)'s water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Aurora (V)'s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 800 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Aurora (V)

System Name PWSID Population Source
AURORA VILLAGE NY0501714 400 SWP
WELLS COLLEGE NY0512920 400 SW
Regional Comparison

How Aurora (V) compares

Full New York rankings →

Aurora (V)'s score of 86/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Aurora (V) (this city)
86
New York avg
74
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Frequently asked questions

Is Aurora (V), NY tap water safe to drink?

Aurora (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #421 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Aurora (V)'s water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 51 violations are on record.

How is Aurora (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 Aurora (V)?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Aurora (V)'s water come from?

Aurora (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 800 residents.

What health violations has Aurora (V)'s water system had?

Aurora (V) has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does Aurora (V)'s water compare to other cities?

Aurora (V) ranks #421 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 51% of state cities) and #5006 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.