Is Nelliston (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.3/100
waterverge.com Nelliston (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Nelliston (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (74.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 15.9 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 20 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nelliston (V)'s water
Nelliston (V) ranks #672 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Nelliston (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nelliston (V), NY water safe to drink?
Nelliston (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 535 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Nelliston (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nelliston (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nelliston (V)'s water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Nelliston (V)'s water system has 20 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 East Canada Creek, Otsquago Creek, Canajoharie Creek.
Where does Nelliston (V)'s water come from?
Nelliston (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 535 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include East Canada Creek (river), Otsquago Creek (river), Canajoharie Creek (river).
What Nelliston (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nelliston (V)'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Nelliston (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
Montgomery County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Nelliston (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. | 15.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 15.9 ppb (2007)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Nelliston (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Nelliston (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nelliston (V)'s water comes from
Nelliston (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 535 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nelliston (V)
Nelliston (V) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Nelliston (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NELLISTON (V) WATER WORKS | NY2800141 | 535 | SWP |
How Nelliston (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Nelliston (V)'s score of 74.3/100 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 Nelliston (V), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nelliston (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Montgomery
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelliston (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Nelliston (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (74.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #672 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Nelliston (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 15.9 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Nelliston (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 Nelliston (V)?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nelliston (V)'s water come from?
Nelliston (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 535 residents.
What health violations has Nelliston (V)'s water system had?
Nelliston (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Nelliston (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Nelliston (V) ranks #672 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 21% of state cities) and #9896 out of 15744 cities nationally (37th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Nelliston (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Nelliston (V)'s system serves approximately 535 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 20 violations on record.