Is Mcgraw (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Mcgraw (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Mcgraw (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,306 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.1 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.
The system has 2 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Mcgraw (V)'s water
Mcgraw (V) ranks #580 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mcgraw (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.
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.
As a small community water system, Mcgraw (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcgraw (V), NY water safe to drink?
Mcgraw (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (79/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,306 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcgraw (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcgraw (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4814). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcgraw (V)'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.
Violation history
Mcgraw (V)'s water system has 2 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cortland County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Tioughnioga River.
Where does Mcgraw (V)'s water come from?
Mcgraw (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,306 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tioughnioga River (river).
What Mcgraw (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mcgraw (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
Cortland County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mcgraw (V)'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. | 12.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcgraw (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcgraw (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcgraw (V)'s water comes from
Mcgraw (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 1,306 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mcgraw (V)
Mcgraw (V) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mcgraw (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCGRAW VILLAGE | NY1101758 | 1,306 | GW |
How Mcgraw (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Mcgraw (V)'s score of 79/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Mcgraw (V), NY
Wikipedia →This is a list of municipalities in New York other than towns, which includes all 532 villages and 62 cities of New York State. Of the total 594 municipalities, 587 are non-town municipalities, while six are coterminous town-villages, villages that are coterminous with their town, and one is a consolidated town-village, where the village is smaller in size and population than the town, but they still share the same government.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcgraw (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cortland
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcgraw (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Mcgraw (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #580 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Mcgraw (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 12.1 ppb (90th percentile). 2 violations are on record.
How is Mcgraw (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 Mcgraw (V)?
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 Mcgraw (V)'s water come from?
Mcgraw (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,306 residents.
Is Mcgraw (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcgraw (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 2 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 Mcgraw (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Mcgraw (V) ranks #580 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 32% of state cities) and #8438 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mcgraw (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Mcgraw (V)'s system serves approximately 1,306 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 2 violations on record.