Is Nichols (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 ↓
78.7/100
waterverge.com Nichols (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Nichols (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 121 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Nichols (V)'s water
Nichols (V) ranks #586 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Nichols (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.
As a small community water system, Nichols (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nichols (V), NY water safe to drink?
Nichols (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (78.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 613 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nichols (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nichols (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Chromium, CYANIDE.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nichols (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Nichols (V)'s water system has 121 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tioga 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 Susquehanna River, Owego Creek, Wappasening Creek Near Windham Center.
Where does Nichols (V)'s water come from?
Nichols (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 613 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River (river), Owego Creek (river), Wappasening Creek Near Windham Center (river).
What Nichols (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.
Nichols (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
Tioga 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.
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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nichols (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Nichols (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nichols (V)'s water comes from
Nichols (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 private ownership and serves approximately 613 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Nichols (V)
Nichols (V) is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nichols (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEOLIA OF NICHOLS | NY5304408 | 613 | GW |
How Nichols (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Nichols (V)'s score of 78.7/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Nichols (V), NY
Wikipedia →Owego is a town in Tioga County, New York, United States. The population was 18,728 at the 2020 census. The name is derived from the Iroquois word Ahwaga, meaning "where the valley widens".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nichols (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tioga
Frequently asked questions
Is Nichols (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Nichols (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #586 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Nichols (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 121 violations are on record.
How is Nichols (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 Nichols (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Nichols (V)'s water come from?
Nichols (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 613 residents.
Is Nichols (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nichols (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 121 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 Nichols (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Nichols (V) ranks #586 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 31% of state cities) and #8581 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 Nichols (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Nichols (V)'s system serves approximately 613 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 121 violations on record.