01The verdict: is Orleans (T) water safe?
Orleans (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
2 unresolved violations on record
EPA records show open compliance items for this system. Most are administrative, but unresolved items are worth watching.
See what was cited ↓Top half in New York
Orleans (T) ranks #375 of 810 graded New York cities.
See the comparison ↓Check back after the next refresh
EPA data updates on a rolling basis; we fold in new samples and violations every month.
Get alerts ↓Orleans (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program. The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Orleans (T) ranks #375 out of 810 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state. Orleans (T) 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. While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection. As a small community water system, Orleans (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
02What's in Orleans (T)'s water
Every contaminant flagged in Orleans (T), on one shared scale: distance to its own legal limit. The red line is the limit — anything past it is out of compliance, and the closer a bar gets, the less headroom the system has.
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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile lead PF PFAS in New York
Cities ranked by compounds detected Cu Copper in New York
Cities ranked by 90th-percentile copper
03Orleans (T)'s ten-year track record
Each box is one year. A green check means no EPA violations; a numbered badge counts that year's violations — red if any were health-based, amber if they were monitoring or paperwork issues. The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
All ten of the last ten years were clean — no EPA violations recorded for Orleans (T).
▼ Down 14 ppb since 1993. Latest reading: 0 ppb (2023) — 0% of the action level. Sampled at higher-risk homes (90th percentile).
04Where Orleans (T)'s water comes from
Orleans (T)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater
Underground aquifers reached by wells — naturally filtered, but can carry minerals like arsenic and nitrate.
Local treatment
Groundwater generally needs less treatment — typically disinfection and, where needed, mineral removal.
2 systems
2 water systems, operated under local government ownership.
750 people
Residents served across Orleans (T)'s service area.
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 local government ownership and serves approximately 750 people through 2 water systems.
| System name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLEANS TOWN WD 1 (LAFARGEVILLE) | NY2215918 | 750 | Groundwater |
| ORLEANS TOWN WD 2 (RT 12) | NY2230132 | 690 | Purchased Surface Water |
05How Orleans (T) compares
Scores for nearby New York cities on one line, with the average marked.
dashed line = New York average (78/100)
Orleans (T) scores 87/100 — above the New York average of 78/100. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities. Full New York rankings →
89 / 100CBrookhaven (T), NY
60.9 / 100AEast Hampton (T), NY
85.1 / 100BIslip (T), NY
71.8 / 100BSmithtown (T), NY
84.8 / 100BSouthampton (T), NY
78.8 / 100
Compare all cities in the county — grades, violations, and contaminant data side by side.→
06What to do at home
Steps matched to what testing actually found in Orleans (T)'s water — not generic advice.
Filter drinking & cooking water
Basic carbon filter for extra protection. Lead detected at 6.3 ppb
Compare tested filters →Flush taps & check your service line
Lead leaches from pipes as water sits. Run cold water 30 seconds before drinking (especially mornings), and ask the utility whether your address still has a lead service line.
Lead risks explained →Watch for Orleans (T) alerts
We refresh EPA data monthly and surface new violations, advisories, and boil-water notices for your county on this page.
All water alerts →Frequently asked questions
Is Orleans (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Orleans (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #375 out of 810 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Orleans (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Orleans (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 Orleans (T)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orleans (T)'s water come from?
Orleans (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 750 residents.
Is Orleans (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orleans (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 5 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 Orleans (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Orleans (T) ranks #375 out of 810 cities in New York (better than 54% of state cities) and #4317 out of 15382 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.