Is Manchester (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.3/100
waterverge.com Manchester (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Manchester (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (72.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,631 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 40 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manchester (T)'s water
Manchester (T) ranks #685 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.
As a small community water system, Manchester (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manchester (T), NY water safe to drink?
Manchester (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,631 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Manchester (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manchester (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.3/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1993). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Manchester (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Manchester (T)'s water system has 40 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ontario County has experienced 5 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 Canandaigua Outlet, Flint Creek.
Where does Manchester (T)'s water come from?
Manchester (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,631 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Canandaigua Outlet (river), Flint Creek (river).
What Manchester (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manchester (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.
Manchester (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
Ontario County has experienced 5 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 Manchester (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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Manchester (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Manchester (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manchester (T)'s water comes from
Manchester (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 1,631 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Manchester (T)
Manchester (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 Manchester (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANCHESTER CENTRAL WD | NY3430021 | 1,000 | SWP |
| PORT GIBSON WD | NY3401163 | 475 | SWP |
| THE RITZ | NY3400715 | 156 | GW |
How Manchester (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Manchester (T)'s score of 72.3/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Manchester (T), NY
Wikipedia →Clifton Springs is a village located in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 2,209 at the 2020 Census. The village takes its name from local mineral springs.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manchester (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ontario
Frequently asked questions
Is Manchester (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Manchester (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (72.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #685 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Manchester (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Manchester (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 Manchester (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manchester (T)'s water come from?
Manchester (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,631 residents.
What health violations has Manchester (T)'s water system had?
Manchester (T) has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Manchester (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Manchester (T) ranks #685 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 20% of state cities) and #10394 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.