Is Champion (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
90.1/100
waterverge.com Champion (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Champion (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A (90.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,050 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 3 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Champion (T)'s water
Champion (T) ranks #235 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Champion (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, Champion (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Champion (T), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Champion (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (90.1/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,050 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Champion (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Champion (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Champion (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
Champion (T)'s water system has 3 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Champion (T)'s water come from?
Champion (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,050 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Champion (T) 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.
Champion (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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Champion (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. | 1.1 | 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. | 1.75 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Champion (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Champion (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Champion (T)'s water comes from
Champion (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 1,050 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Champion (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHAMPION WD 2, 4 & 5 | NY2230022 | 650 | GW |
| CHAMPION WD 1 (GREAT BEND) | NY2230021 | 400 | GWP |
How Champion (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Champion (T)'s score of 90.1/100 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 Champion (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Champion (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Champion (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Champion (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A (90.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #235 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Champion (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Champion (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 Champion (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Champion (T)'s water come from?
Champion (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,050 residents.
What health violations has Champion (T)'s water system had?
Champion (T) has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Champion (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Champion (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 3 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 Champion (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Champion (T) ranks #235 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 73% of state cities) and #2418 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.