Is Colden (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.8/100
waterverge.com Colden (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Colden (T)'s drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 191 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Colden (T)'s water
Colden (T) ranks #768 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Colden (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Colden (T), NY water safe to drink?
Colden (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Colden (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Colden (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Endrin, Dinoseb, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3262). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Colden (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Colden (T)'s water system has 191 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Erie County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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 Colden (T)'s water come from?
Colden (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 845 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Colden (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Colden (T)'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.
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
Erie County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 2005. 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Colden (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Colden (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Colden (T)'s water comes from
Colden (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 845 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Colden (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COLDEN WATER DISTRICT #1 | NY1450020 | 445 | SWP |
| CRANERIDGE WATER SUPPLY | NY1430017 | 360 | GW |
| VILLAGER APARTMENTS | NY1402933 | 40 | GW |
How Colden (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Colden (T)'s score of 53.8/100 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 Colden (T), NY
Wikipedia →Colden is a town in Erie County, New York, United States. The population was 3,121 at the 2020 census. The town derives its name from Cadwallader D. Colden, a state senator. Colden is an interior town in the southeastern part of the county. It is one of the "Southtowns" of Erie County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Colden (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Erie
Frequently asked questions
Is Colden (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Colden (T)'s water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #768 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Colden (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 191 violations are on record.
How is Colden (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 Colden (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Colden (T)'s water come from?
Colden (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 845 residents.
What health violations has Colden (T)'s water system had?
Colden (T) has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Colden (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Colden (T) ranks #768 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 10% of state cities) and #12659 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.