Is Avoca (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
89.9/100
Avoca (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Avoca (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 970 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 5 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Avoca (V)'s water
Avoca (V) ranks #239 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Avoca (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.
As a small community water system, Avoca (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Avoca (V), NY water safe to drink?
Avoca (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 970 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Avoca (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Avoca (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Avoca (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Avoca (V)'s water system has 5 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Steuben County has experienced 9 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. Local water sources include Cohocton River.
Where does Avoca (V)'s water come from?
Avoca (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 970 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cohocton River (river).
What Avoca (V) residents can do
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.
Avoca (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
Steuben County has experienced 9 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 Avoca (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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 83.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 83.600 mg/L (2003)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Avoca (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Avoca (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Avoca (V)'s water comes from
Avoca (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 970 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Avoca (V)
Avoca (V) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Avoca (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVOCA VILLAGE | NY5001205 | 970 | GW |
How Avoca (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Avoca (V)'s score of 89.9/100 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 Avoca (V), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Avoca (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Steuben
Frequently asked questions
Is Avoca (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Avoca (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #239 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Avoca (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Avoca (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 Avoca (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Avoca (V)'s water come from?
Avoca (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 970 residents.
What health violations has Avoca (V)'s water system had?
Avoca (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Avoca (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Avoca (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 5 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 Avoca (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Avoca (V) ranks #239 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 72% of state cities) and #2516 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Avoca (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Avoca (V)'s system serves approximately 970 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 5 violations on record.