Is Cincinnatus (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Cincinnatus (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Cincinnatus (T)'s drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 152 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cincinnatus (T)'s water
Cincinnatus (T) ranks #793 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Cincinnatus (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, Cincinnatus (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 62 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cincinnatus (T), NY water safe to drink?
Cincinnatus (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of D+ (50/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cincinnatus (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cincinnatus (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: p-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloropropane, Trichloroethylene.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cincinnatus (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cincinnatus (T)'s water system has 152 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 62 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cortland County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Otselic River.
Where does Cincinnatus (T)'s water come from?
Cincinnatus (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Otselic River (river).
What Cincinnatus (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cincinnatus (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
Cortland County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 3.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cincinnatus (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Cincinnatus (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cincinnatus (T)'s water comes from
Cincinnatus (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 650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cincinnatus (T)
Cincinnatus (T) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cincinnatus (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CINCINNATUS WATER DISTRICT | NY1101753 | 650 | GW |
How Cincinnatus (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Cincinnatus (T)'s score of 50/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Cincinnatus (T), NY
Wikipedia →Cincinnatus is a small town in Cortland County, New York, United States. The population was 910 at the 2020 census. The town is named after the Roman general Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus. It is in the eastern part of the county and is east of the city of Cortland.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cincinnatus (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cortland
Frequently asked questions
Is Cincinnatus (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Cincinnatus (T)'s water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #793 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Cincinnatus (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 152 violations are on record.
How is Cincinnatus (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 Cincinnatus (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cincinnatus (T)'s water come from?
Cincinnatus (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.
Is Cincinnatus (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cincinnatus (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 152 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 Cincinnatus (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Cincinnatus (T) ranks #793 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 7% of state cities) and #13184 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cincinnatus (T)'s small water system affect quality?
Cincinnatus (T)'s system serves approximately 650 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 152 violations on record.