Is Nelson (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Nelson (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Nelson (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 745 residents using purchased ground 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 47 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nelson (T)'s water
Nelson (T) ranks #333 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Nelson (T) purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Nelson (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nelson (T), NY water safe to drink?
Nelson (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 745 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nelson (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nelson (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Nelson (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nelson (T)'s water system has 47 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Madison County has experienced 7 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 Chittenango Creek.
Where does Nelson (T)'s water come from?
Nelson (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 745 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chittenango Creek (river).
What Nelson (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nelson (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.
Nelson (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
Madison County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nelson (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Nelson (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nelson (T)'s water comes from
Nelson (T) purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Nelson (T)'s local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 745 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Nelson (T)
Nelson (T) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nelson (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAZENOVIA/NELSON PURCHASE DISTRICT | NY2600033 | 595 | GWP |
| ERIEVILLE | NY2602375 | 150 | GW |
How Nelson (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Nelson (T)'s score of 88/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Nelson (T), NY
Wikipedia →Cazenovia is an incorporated town in Madison County, New York, United States. The population was 6,740 at the time of the 2020 census. The town is named after Theophile Cazenove, the Agent General of the Holland Land Company. The village of Cazenovia is located in the center of the town. The town is on the county's western border.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nelson (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is Nelson (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Nelson (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #333 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Nelson (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Nelson (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 Nelson (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nelson (T)'s water come from?
Nelson (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 745 residents.
What health violations has Nelson (T)'s water system had?
Nelson (T) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nelson (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nelson (T) 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 47 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 Nelson (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Nelson (T) ranks #333 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 61% of state cities) and #3734 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.