Is Gowanda (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.8/100
waterverge.com Gowanda (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Gowanda (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (86.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 67 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Gowanda (V)'s water
Gowanda (V) ranks #388 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Gowanda (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gowanda (V), NY water safe to drink?
Gowanda (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gowanda (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gowanda (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Gowanda (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gowanda (V)'s water system has 67 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cattaraugus County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Cattaraugus Creek, Thatcher Brook.
Where does Gowanda (V)'s water come from?
Gowanda (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cattaraugus Creek (river), Thatcher Brook (river).
What Gowanda (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.
Gowanda (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
Cattaraugus County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gowanda (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Gowanda (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gowanda (V)'s water comes from
Gowanda (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 2,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gowanda (V)
Gowanda (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 Gowanda (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOWANDA VILLAGE | NY0400340 | 2,800 | SW |
How Gowanda (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Gowanda (V)'s score of 86.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Gowanda (V), NY
Wikipedia →Gowanda is a village in western New York, United States. It lies partly in Erie County and partly in Cattaraugus County. The population was 2,513 at the 2020 census. The name is derived from a local Seneca language term meaning "almost surrounded by hills" or "a valley among the hills". The Erie County portion of Gowanda is part of the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area, while the Cattaraugus County portion is part of the Olean micropolitan statistical area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gowanda (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cattaraugus
Frequently asked questions
Is Gowanda (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Gowanda (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (86.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #388 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Gowanda (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Gowanda (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 Gowanda (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gowanda (V)'s water come from?
Gowanda (V)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 residents.
What health violations has Gowanda (V)'s water system had?
Gowanda (V) has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Gowanda (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Gowanda (V) ranks #388 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 55% of state cities) and #4451 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gowanda (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Gowanda (V)'s system serves approximately 2,800 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 67 violations on record.