Is Montour Falls (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 ↓
90.3/100
waterverge.com Montour Falls (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Montour Falls (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (90.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,635 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.8 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.
The system has 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Montour Falls (V)'s water
Montour Falls (V) ranks #225 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Montour 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.
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, Montour Falls (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montour Falls (V), NY water safe to drink?
Montour Falls (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,635 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montour Falls (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montour Falls (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.3/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Montour Falls (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
Montour Falls (V)'s water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Schuyler County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Catharine.
Where does Montour Falls (V)'s water come from?
Montour Falls (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,635 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Catharine (river).
What Montour Falls (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.
Montour 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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Schuyler County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Montour Falls (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. | 8.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montour Falls (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Montour Falls (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montour Falls (V)'s water comes from
Montour 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 1,635 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montour Falls (V)
Montour Falls (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 Montour Falls (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTOUR FALLS VILLAGE | NY4801184 | 1,635 | GW |
How Montour Falls (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Montour Falls (V)'s score of 90.3/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Montour Falls (V), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montour Falls (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schuyler
Frequently asked questions
Is Montour Falls (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Montour Falls (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (90.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #225 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Montour Falls (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 8.8 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Montour 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 Montour Falls (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 Montour Falls (V)'s water come from?
Montour Falls (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,635 residents.
Is Montour Falls (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montour 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 6 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 Montour Falls (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Montour Falls (V) ranks #225 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 74% of state cities) and #2304 out of 15744 cities nationally (85th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montour Falls (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Montour Falls (V)'s system serves approximately 1,635 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 6 violations on record.