WaterVerge

Is Lyons Falls (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

850 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY2402366
Overall Score
93.3 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#104 of 855 in New York Top 6% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
93.3/100
waterverge.com
A 93.3/100

Lyons Falls (V), NY — Water Quality Report

Lyons Falls (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.

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 16 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Lyons Falls (V)'s water

Lyons Falls (V) ranks #104 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Lyons Falls (V) relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.

As a small community water system, Lyons Falls (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
93.3 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Lyons Falls (V), NY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Lyons Falls (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lyons Falls (V)

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lyons Falls (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).

Disaster
SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
4 drinking water violations recorded

4 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lyons Falls (V)'s water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Lyons Falls (V)'s water system has 16 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

MRTT
Most recent violations:
Jul 2012 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2012 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 1993 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jul 1993 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Jul 1993 Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Lewis County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Black River, Independence River.

SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4814
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA DR-4625
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351

Where does Lyons Falls (V)'s water come from?

Lyons Falls (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black River (river), Independence River (river).

What Lyons Falls (V) residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Lyons Falls (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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

16
Total violations
5
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

16 Total
2 Active
5 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
6
Surface Water Treatment Rule
5
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Nitrate Rule
1
Arsenic Rule
1
Jan 1992 Active
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2012 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Jul 2012 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2012
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jan 1985 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Jan 1985 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1985
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Aug 2024
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lewis County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2024
SEVERE STORM, TORNADOES, AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4814
Oct 2021
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA #4625
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Jun 2011
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA #1993
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1095

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 12.0 ppb from 1993 (12.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Lyons Falls (V) compares by contaminant

Explore where Lyons Falls (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
850
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lyons Falls (V)'s water comes from

Groundwater

Lyons Falls (V)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.

Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.

Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 850 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lyons Falls (V)

Lyons Falls (V) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Black River
river
Independence River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lyons Falls (V)

System Name PWSID Population Source
LYONS FALLS VILLAGE NY2402366 850 GW
Regional Comparison

How Lyons Falls (V) compares

Full New York rankings →

Lyons Falls (V)'s score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Lyons Falls (V) (this city)
93.3
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Lyons Falls (V), NY

Wikipedia →

Lyons Falls is a village in Lewis County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Lyons Falls had a population of 570. The village is on the border of the towns of West Turin and Lyonsdale. It is at the junction of state Routes 12 and 12D, approximately 14 miles (23 km) south of Lowville, the county seat.

Economic Profile
$55,859
Median Income
$95,001
Median Home Value
$663/mo
Median Rent
1.6%
Unemployment
Community
46
Median Age
202
People / sq mi
19.9%
College Educated
82.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Lyons Falls (V), NY tap water safe to drink?

Lyons Falls (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #104 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Lyons Falls (V)'s water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.

How is Lyons Falls (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 Lyons Falls (V)?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lyons Falls (V)'s water come from?

Lyons Falls (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.

What health violations has Lyons Falls (V)'s water system had?

Lyons Falls (V) has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Lyons Falls (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?

Lyons Falls (V) uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 16 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.

How does Lyons Falls (V)'s water compare to other cities?

Lyons Falls (V) ranks #104 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 88% of state cities) and #901 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Lyons Falls (V)'s small water system affect quality?

Lyons Falls (V)'s system serves approximately 850 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 16 violations on record.