WaterVerge

Is N. Hornell (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

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

732 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY5001216
Overall Score
83.7 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#486 of 855 in New York Top 40% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.7/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.7/100

N. Hornell (V), NY — Water Quality Report

N. Hornell (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 732 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about N. Hornell (V)'s water

N. Hornell (V) ranks #486 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average 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, N. Hornell (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.7 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is N. Hornell (V), NY water safe to drink?

Use Caution

N. Hornell (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 732 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
1.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for N. Hornell (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 N. Hornell (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED

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

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

N. Hornell (V)'s water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

TTMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2023 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jun 2006 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 1994 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Steuben County has experienced 9 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 Arkport Reservoir, Canisteo River, Almond Lake, Canacadea Creek, Canisteo River Below Canacadea Creek.

REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM FRED
Hurricane FEMA DR-4625
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA DR-1993

Where does N. Hornell (V)'s water come from?

N. Hornell (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 732 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Arkport Reservoir (lake), Canisteo River (river), Almond Lake (lake), Canacadea Creek (river), Canisteo River Below Canacadea Creek (river).

What N. Hornell (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

N. Hornell (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
1.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 7% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

3
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Aug 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

3 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
1 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
1
Jun 2006 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Aug 2023 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2023
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Oct 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Steuben County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

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
Sep 1984
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #725

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.0 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 7.0 ppb from 1993 (8.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how N. Hornell (V) compares by contaminant

Explore where N. Hornell (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
732
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where N. Hornell (V)'s water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

N. Hornell (V)'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 732 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near N. Hornell (V)

N. Hornell (V) is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Arkport Reservoir
lake
Canisteo River
river
Almond Lake
lake
Canacadea Creek
river
Canisteo River Below Canacadea Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving N. Hornell (V)

System Name PWSID Population Source
NORTH HORNELL VILLAGE NY5001216 732 SWP
Regional Comparison

How N. Hornell (V) compares

Full New York rankings →

N. Hornell (V)'s score of 83.7/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

N. Hornell (V) (this city)
83.7
New York avg
74
City Profile

About N. Hornell (V), NY

Wikipedia →

Hornell is a city in Steuben County, New York, United States. The population was 8,259 at the 2020 census. The city is named after the Hornell family, early settlers.

Economic Profile
$47,632
Median Income
$80,657
Median Home Value
$739/mo
Median Rent
8.5%
Unemployment
Community
40.1
Median Age
967
People / sq mi
16.3%
College Educated
49.1%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is N. Hornell (V), NY tap water safe to drink?

N. Hornell (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #486 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in N. Hornell (V)'s water?

Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.

How is N. Hornell (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 N. Hornell (V)?

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

Where does N. Hornell (V)'s water come from?

N. Hornell (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 732 residents.

What health violations has N. Hornell (V)'s water system had?

N. Hornell (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does N. Hornell (V)'s water compare to other cities?

N. Hornell (V) ranks #486 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 43% of state cities) and #6311 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does N. Hornell (V)'s small water system affect quality?

N. Hornell (V)'s system serves approximately 732 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 3 violations on record.