WaterVerge

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

Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Cape Vincent (T) ranks. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY2230018
Overall Score
93 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#109 of 855 in New York Top 7% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93/100
waterverge.com
A 93/100

Cape Vincent (T), NY — Water Quality Report

Cape Vincent (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A (93 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 3.7 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.

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

What to know about Cape Vincent (T)'s water

Cape Vincent (T) ranks #109 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, Cape Vincent (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Cape Vincent (T) has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
45/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Cape Vincent (T), NY water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Cape Vincent (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

None
Violations
3.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Cape Vincent (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 Cape Vincent (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Flood & environmental risk

Jefferson County has experienced 5 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.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4348
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3262

Where does Cape Vincent (T)'s water come from?

Cape Vincent (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.

What Cape Vincent (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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Cape Vincent (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
3.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 25% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

Clean record
No violations found. This system has maintained compliance with EPA standards.
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Nov 2017
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Nov 2017
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4348
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1095
Mar 1973
HIGH WINDS, WAVE ACTION & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #367

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.7 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 increased by 1.7 ppb from 2004 (2.0 ppb) to 2005 (3.7 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Cape Vincent (T) compares by contaminant

Explore where Cape Vincent (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 Cape Vincent (T)'s water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Cape Vincent (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.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Cape Vincent (T)

System Name PWSID Population Source
CAPE VINCENT TOWN WD 1 & 5 NY2230018 2,600 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Cape Vincent (T) compares

Full New York rankings →

Cape Vincent (T)'s score of 93/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Cape Vincent (T) (this city)
93
New York avg
74
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Frequently asked questions

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

Cape Vincent (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #109 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Cape Vincent (T)'s water?

Lead was measured at 3.7 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.

How is Cape Vincent (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 Cape Vincent (T)?

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

Where does Cape Vincent (T)'s water come from?

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

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

Cape Vincent (T) ranks #109 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 87% of state cities) and #1009 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

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

Cape Vincent (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 maintained a clean compliance record.