WaterVerge

Is Binghamton (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY0301652
Overall Score
90.7 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#203 of 855 in New York Top 13% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90.7/100
waterverge.com
A 90.7/100

Binghamton (T), NY — Water Quality Report

Binghamton (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A (90.7 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,600 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 4 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 Binghamton (T)'s water

Binghamton (T) ranks #203 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average 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, Binghamton (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90.7 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Binghamton (T), NY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Binghamton (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

1
Active Violations
1.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Binghamton (T)

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Binghamton (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.7/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HENRI

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood 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).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Binghamton (T)'s water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Binghamton (T)'s water system has 4 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.

MCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Jul 2000 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Nov 1998 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Oct 1995 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Broome County has experienced 10 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 Susquehanna River, Chenango River, Choconut Creek Near Choconut.

HURRICANE HENRI
Hurricane FEMA DR-3565
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4397
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4129

Where does Binghamton (T)'s water come from?

Binghamton (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,600 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River (river), Chenango River (river), Choconut Creek Near Choconut (river).

What Binghamton (T) 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

Binghamton (T)'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
1.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 9% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

4
Total violations
1
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Jul 2000
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

4 Total
1 Active
1 Health-based
3 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Miscellaneous Other Rules
1
Oct 1995 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 2000
Nov 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1998
Feb 1994 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Feb 1994
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Aug 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Broome County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2021
HURRICANE HENRI
Hurricane FEMA #3565
Oct 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4397
Jul 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4129
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

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.3 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 2.7 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.3 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Binghamton (T) compares by contaminant

Explore where Binghamton (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,600
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Binghamton (T)'s water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Binghamton (T)'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 2,600 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Binghamton (T)

Binghamton (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Susquehanna River
river
Chenango River
river
Choconut Creek Near Choconut
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Binghamton (T)

System Name PWSID Population Source
BINGHAMTON (T) CONSOLIDATED WD NY0301652 2,600 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Binghamton (T) compares

Full New York rankings →

Binghamton (T)'s score of 90.7/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Binghamton (T) (this city)
90.7
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Binghamton (T), NY

Wikipedia →

Binghamton is a city in the U.S. state of New York, and serves as the county seat of Broome County. Surrounded by rolling hills, it lies in the state's Southern Tier region near the Pennsylvania border, in a bowl-shaped valley at the confluence of the Susquehanna and Chenango rivers. The population was 47,969 at the 2020 census. Binghamton is the principal city of the Binghamton metropolitan area, home to a quarter million people.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Binghamton (T), NY tap water safe to drink?

Binghamton (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A (90.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #203 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Binghamton (T)'s water?

Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.

How is Binghamton (T)'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 Binghamton (T)?

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

Where does Binghamton (T)'s water come from?

Binghamton (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,600 residents.

What health violations has Binghamton (T)'s water system had?

Binghamton (T) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2000. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

How does Binghamton (T)'s water compare to other cities?

Binghamton (T) ranks #203 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 76% of state cities) and #2078 out of 15744 cities nationally (87th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Binghamton (T)'s small water system affect quality?

Binghamton (T)'s system serves approximately 2,600 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 4 violations on record.