Is Odessa, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Odessa, NY — Water Quality Report
Odessa's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 835 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 55 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Odessa's water
Odessa ranks #494 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Odessa 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, Odessa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Odessa, NY water safe to drink?
Odessa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 835 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Odessa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Odessa's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4615). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3572). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Odessa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Odessa's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Hackensack River, Lake Tappan At Old Tappan, Hackensack River At Rivervale, Pascack Brook At Park Ridge, Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale.
Where does Odessa's water come from?
Odessa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 835 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hackensack River (river), Lake Tappan At Old Tappan (lake), Hackensack River At Rivervale (river), Pascack Brook At Park Ridge (river), Woodcliff Lake At Hillsdale (lake).
What Odessa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Odessa'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.
Odessa'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Odessa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Odessa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL ASPHALT WATKINS GLEN, NY14891 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Rockland County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Odessa'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Odessa compares by contaminant
Explore where Odessa ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Odessa's water comes from
Odessa'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 835 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Odessa
Odessa is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Odessa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SILVER DOLLAR GOLF CLUB | FL6294733 | 660 | GW |
| SILVER DOLLAR SHOOTERS CLUB | FL6295994 | 175 | GW |
How Odessa compares
Full New York rankings →Odessa's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Odessa, NY
Wikipedia →Monsey is a hamlet and census-designated place in the town of Ramapo, Rockland County, New York, United States, north of Airmont, east of Viola, south of New Hempstead, and west of Spring Valley. The village of Kaser is surrounded by the hamlet of Monsey. The 2020 census listed the population at 26,954.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Odessa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hillsborough
Frequently asked questions
Is Odessa, NY tap water safe to drink?
Odessa's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #494 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Odessa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Odessa'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 Odessa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Odessa's water come from?
Odessa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 835 residents.
What health violations has Odessa's water system had?
Odessa has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Odessa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Odessa 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 55 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 Odessa's water compare to other cities?
Odessa ranks #494 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 42% of state cities) and #6563 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.