WaterVerge

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 ↓

970 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY5001205
Overall Score
89.9 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#239 of 855 in New York Top 16% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 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.

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

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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.9/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

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

Use Caution

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).

1
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Avoca (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 Avoca (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED

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

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 83.60 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

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.

MRMCL
Most recent violations:
Jan 2020 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2020 TTHM Resolved
May 2000 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Sep 1996 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

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.

REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA DR-4625
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA DR-1993

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

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
83.60 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

5
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jan 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

5 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
4 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2020 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2020
May 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2000
Sep 1996 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 1996
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Oct 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Oct 2021
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA #4625
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Jun 2011
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA #1993
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1095
Sep 1984
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #725

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Avoca (V)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 83.60 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.2 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.8 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 83.600 mg/L (2003)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
970
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Avoca (V)'s water comes from

Groundwater

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.

Local Hydrology

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.

Cohocton River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Avoca (V)

System Name PWSID Population Source
AVOCA VILLAGE NY5001205 970 GW
Regional Comparison

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.

Avoca (V) (this city)
89.9
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Avoca (V), NY

Economic Profile
$59,598
Median Income
$97,250
Median Home Value
$815/mo
Median Rent
4.7%
Unemployment
Community
37
Median Age
23
People / sq mi
20.7%
College Educated
76.9%
Homeownership
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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.