Is Cairo (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper and Manganese were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41.2/100
waterverge.com Cairo (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Cairo (T)'s drinking water received a grade of F (41.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,938 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 386 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cairo (T)'s water
Cairo (T) ranks #847 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cairo (T) 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, Cairo (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 176 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cairo (T), NY water safe to drink?
Cairo (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 1,938 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cairo (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cairo (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: F (41.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4085). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cairo (T)'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
Cairo (T)'s water system has 386 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved. 176 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greene County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Cairo (T)'s water come from?
Cairo (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 1,938 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cairo (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cairo (T)'s water.
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.
Cairo (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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Greene County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cairo (T)'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 2.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cairo (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Cairo (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cairo (T)'s water comes from
Cairo (T)'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 1,938 people through 8 water systems.
Water systems serving Cairo (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRO WATER DISTRICT | NY1900025 | 1,400 | GU |
| COUNTRY ESTATES (IN CAIRO) | NY1919224 | 201 | GW |
| WOODLANDS AT CAIRO APTS | NY1905404 | 90 | GW |
| GLENWOOD TOWNHOUSES | NY1922367 | 76 | GW |
| EASTVIEW APARTMENTS | NY1920253 | 71 | GW |
| WOODLAND APTS AT CAIRO NORTH | NY1916985 | 38 | GW |
| CREEKSIDE APARTMENTS | NY1901873 | 37 | GW |
| TF CAIRO APARTMENTS | NY1922996 | 25 | GW |
How Cairo (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Cairo (T)'s score of 41.2/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Cairo (T), NY
Wikipedia →Cairo is a town in Greene County, New York, United States. The population was 6,644 at the 2020 census. It is the third largest town in the county. The town is in the southern part of the county, partly in the Catskill Park. The town contains a hamlet, also named Cairo.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cairo (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greene
Frequently asked questions
Is Cairo (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Cairo (T)'s water quality earned a grade of F (41.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #847 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Cairo (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 386 violations are on record.
How is Cairo (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 Cairo (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cairo (T)'s water come from?
Cairo (T)'s water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 1,938 residents.
What health violations has Cairo (T)'s water system had?
Cairo (T) has 45 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 69 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cairo (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cairo (T) 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 386 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 Cairo (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Cairo (T) ranks #847 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 1% of state cities) and #15018 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.