Is Batavia, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Batavia ranks. What to do next ↓
94/100
waterverge.com Batavia, NY — Water Quality Report
Batavia's drinking water received a grade of A (94 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,451 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Batavia's water
Batavia ranks #83 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Batavia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Batavia has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Batavia, NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Batavia's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,451 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Batavia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Batavia's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3262). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Batavia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Genesee County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Tonawanda Creek.
Where does Batavia's water come from?
Batavia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,451 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tonawanda Creek (river).
What Batavia 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Batavia'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Batavia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Batavia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 115 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U S GYPSUM CO OAKFIELD PLANT OAKFIELD, NY14125 | Zinc compounds | 111 | 7.4 mi |
QUAKER HOUGHTON BATAVIA, NY14020 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 1.6 mi |
APG NEW ENGLAND BATAVIA, NY14020 | Lead compounds | 0 | 1.1 mi |
CHAPIN INTERNATIONAL BATAVIA, NY14020 | — | — | 1.3 mi |
CARGILL ANIMAL NUTRITION BATAVIA, NY14020 | — | — | 4.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Batavia
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BYRON BARREL DRUM9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Genesee County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 3.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Batavia compares by contaminant
Explore where Batavia ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Batavia's water comes from
Batavia'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 2,451 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Batavia
Batavia is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Batavia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELBA TOWN WD2 | NY1830053 | 1,127 | SWP |
| ALEXANDER TOWN WD2 | NY1830045 | 706 | SWP |
| TOWNLINE ROAD WD | NY1830046 | 618 | SWP |
How Batavia compares
Full New York rankings →Batavia's score of 94/100 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 Batavia, NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Batavia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Genesee
Frequently asked questions
Is Batavia, NY tap water safe to drink?
Batavia's water quality earned a grade of A (94/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Batavia's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Batavia'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 Batavia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Batavia's water come from?
Batavia's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,451 residents.
How does Batavia's water compare to other cities?
Batavia ranks #83 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 90% of state cities) and #654 out of 15744 cities nationally (96th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.