Is German Flatts (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.2/100
German Flatts (T), NY — Water Quality Report
German Flatts (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 616 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 57 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about German Flatts (T)'s water
German Flatts (T) ranks #578 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, German Flatts (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is German Flatts (T), NY water safe to drink?
German Flatts (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 616 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for German Flatts (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into German Flatts (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for German Flatts (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
German Flatts (T)'s water system has 57 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Mohawk R Above State Highway 30A, Schoharie Creek.
Where does German Flatts (T)'s water come from?
German Flatts (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 616 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Mohawk R Above State Highway 30A (river), Schoharie Creek (river).
What German Flatts (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in German Flatts (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.
German Flatts (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
Montgomery County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how German Flatts (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where German Flatts (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where German Flatts (T)'s water comes from
German Flatts (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 616 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near German Flatts (T)
German Flatts (T) 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 German Flatts (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ILION PERIMETER WATER DISTRICT | NY2130062 | 354 | SWP |
| MANION HEIGHTS W.D. | NY2130045 | 105 | SWP |
| ILION (SOUTH) WATER DISTRICT | NY2102314 | 80 | SWP |
| LEATHERSTOCKING COMMUNITY | NY2100654 | 77 | GW |
How German Flatts (T) compares
Full New York rankings →German Flatts (T)'s score of 79.2/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About German Flatts (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to German Flatts (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Herkimer
Frequently asked questions
Is German Flatts (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
German Flatts (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #578 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in German Flatts (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is German Flatts (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 German Flatts (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does German Flatts (T)'s water come from?
German Flatts (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 616 residents.
How does German Flatts (T)'s water compare to other cities?
German Flatts (T) ranks #578 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 32% of state cities) and #8356 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.