Is Clifton Springs (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Clifton Springs (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Clifton Springs (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,190 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Clifton Springs (V)'s water
Clifton Springs (V) ranks #504 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below 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, Clifton Springs (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clifton Springs (V), NY water safe to drink?
Clifton Springs (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,190 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clifton Springs (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clifton Springs (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1993). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Clifton Springs (V)'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
Clifton Springs (V)'s water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Ontario County has experienced 5 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 Canandaigua Outlet, Flint Creek.
Where does Clifton Springs (V)'s water come from?
Clifton Springs (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,190 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Canandaigua Outlet (river), Flint Creek (river).
What Clifton Springs (V) 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.
Clifton Springs (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
Ontario County has experienced 5 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 Clifton Springs (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. | 1.8 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clifton Springs (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Clifton Springs (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clifton Springs (V)'s water comes from
Clifton Springs (V)'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 2,190 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clifton Springs (V)
Clifton Springs (V) is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Clifton Springs (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLIFTON SPRINGS VILLAGE | NY3401154 | 2,190 | SWP |
How Clifton Springs (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Clifton Springs (V)'s score of 83/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Clifton Springs (V), NY
Wikipedia →Clifton Springs is a village located in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 2,209 at the 2020 Census. The village takes its name from local mineral springs.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clifton Springs (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ontario
Frequently asked questions
Is Clifton Springs (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Clifton Springs (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #504 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Clifton Springs (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Clifton Springs (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 Clifton Springs (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clifton Springs (V)'s water come from?
Clifton Springs (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,190 residents.
How does Clifton Springs (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Clifton Springs (V) ranks #504 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 41% of state cities) and #6653 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clifton Springs (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Clifton Springs (V)'s system serves approximately 2,190 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 1 violation on record.