Is Lancaster (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Lancaster (T) ranks. What to do next ↓
89/100
waterverge.com Lancaster (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Lancaster (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 21,428 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.8 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.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Lancaster (T)'s water
Lancaster (T) ranks #287 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.
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.
Lancaster (T) has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lancaster (T), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Lancaster (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 21,428 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lancaster (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lancaster (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89/100).
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 Lancaster (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.
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. Local water sources include Buffalo Creek, Cazenovia Creek, Black Rock Canal, Niagara River, Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville.
Where does Lancaster (T)'s water come from?
Lancaster (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 21,428 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Buffalo Creek (river), Cazenovia Creek (river), Black Rock Canal (river), Niagara River (river), Ellicott Creek Below Williamsville (river).
What Lancaster (T) 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lancaster (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. | 9.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lancaster (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Lancaster (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lancaster (T)'s water comes from
Lancaster (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 21,428 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lancaster (T)
Lancaster (T) is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lancaster (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECWA LANCASTER | NY1400421 | 21,428 | SWP |
How Lancaster (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Lancaster (T)'s score of 89/100 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 Lancaster (T), NY
Wikipedia →Buffalo is a city in the U.S. state of New York. It lies in Western New York at the eastern end of Lake Erie and at the head of the Niagara River on the Canada–United States border. It is the second-most populous city in New York, with a population of 278,349 at the 2020 census. The Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area, with over 1.16 million residents, is the 51st-largest metropolitan area in the United States. Buffalo is the county seat of Erie County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lancaster (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Erie
Frequently asked questions
Is Lancaster (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Lancaster (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #287 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Lancaster (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 9.8 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Lancaster (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 Lancaster (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 Lancaster (T)'s water come from?
Lancaster (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 21,428 residents.
How does Lancaster (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Lancaster (T) ranks #287 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 66% of state cities) and #3083 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.