Is Candor (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.6/100
waterverge.com Candor (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Candor (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (71.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,094 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 35.3 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 57 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Candor (V)'s water
Candor (V) ranks #691 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Candor (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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Candor (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Candor (V), NY water safe to drink?
Candor (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 1,094 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Candor (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Candor (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Candor (V)'s water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Candor (V)'s water system has 57 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tioga 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 Susquehanna River, Owego Creek.
Where does Candor (V)'s water come from?
Candor (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 1,094 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River (river), Owego Creek (river).
What Candor (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Candor (V)'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Candor (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
Tioga 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 Candor (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. | 35.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Candor (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Candor (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Candor (V)'s water comes from
Candor (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 1,094 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Candor (V)
Candor (V) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Candor (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANDOR VILLAGE WATER DEPT. | NY5304406 | 800 | GW |
| HIDDEN VALLEY MOBILE HOME PARK | NY5301415 | 150 | GW |
| CANDOR LANDING | NY5301424 | 99 | GW |
| JEWELL TRAILER PARK (DW) | NY5301414 | 45 | GW |
How Candor (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Candor (V)'s score of 71.6/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Candor (V), NY
Wikipedia →Candor is a town in Tioga County, New York, United States. The population was 5,172 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Candor (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tioga
Frequently asked questions
Is Candor (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Candor (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (71.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #691 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Candor (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 35.3 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Candor (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 Candor (V)?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Candor (V)'s water come from?
Candor (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 1,094 residents.
What health violations has Candor (V)'s water system had?
Candor (V) has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Candor (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Candor (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 57 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 Candor (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Candor (V) ranks #691 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 19% of state cities) and #10516 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.