Is Fayette (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.8/100
waterverge.com Fayette (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Fayette (T)'s drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 627 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 107 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fayette (T)'s water
Fayette (T) ranks #719 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Fayette (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fayette (T), NY water safe to drink?
Fayette (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 627 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fayette (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fayette (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.8/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). 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 Fayette (T)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Fayette (T)'s water system has 107 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Seneca County has experienced 4 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 Seneca River.
Where does Fayette (T)'s water come from?
Fayette (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 627 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Seneca River (river).
What Fayette (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fayette (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Fayette (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
Seneca County has experienced 4 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 Fayette (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. | 8.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fayette (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Fayette (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fayette (T)'s water comes from
Fayette (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 627 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Fayette (T)
Fayette (T) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fayette (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAYETTE WATER DISTRICT #2 | NY4930010 | 228 | SWP |
| FAYETTE WATER DISTRICT #5 | NY4911004 | 100 | SWP |
| FAYETTE WATER DISTRICT #7 | NY4941316 | 100 | SWP |
| FAYETTE WATER DISTRICT #1 | NY4901201 | 99 | SWP |
| FINGERLAKES MOBILE HOME PARK | NY4900686 | 50 | GW |
| VARICK WATER DISTRICT #3 | NY4911003 | 50 | SWP |
How Fayette (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Fayette (T)'s score of 68.8/100 is below the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Fayette (T), NY
Wikipedia →Waterloo is a town in Seneca County, New York, United States. The population was 7,378 at the 2020 census. The town and its major community are named after Waterloo, Belgium, where Napoleon was defeated.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fayette (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Seneca
Frequently asked questions
Is Fayette (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Fayette (T)'s water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #719 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Fayette (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 8.3 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Fayette (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 Fayette (T)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fayette (T)'s water come from?
Fayette (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 627 residents.
What health violations has Fayette (T)'s water system had?
Fayette (T) has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fayette (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Fayette (T) ranks #719 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 16% of state cities) and #11025 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.