Is Orleans (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Orleans (T), NY — Water Quality Report
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 1,440 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.
What to know about Orleans (T)'s water
Orleans (T) ranks #379 out of 855 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orleans (T), NY water safe to drink?
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 1,440 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orleans (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orleans (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orleans (T)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Orleans (T)'s water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Where does Orleans (T)'s water come from?
Orleans (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,440 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Orleans (T) 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Orleans (T)'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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orleans (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Orleans (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orleans (T)'s water comes from
Orleans (T)'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,440 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Orleans (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORLEANS TOWN WD 1 (LAFARGEVILLE) | NY2215918 | 750 | GW |
| ORLEANS TOWN WD 2 (RT 12) | NY2230132 | 690 | SWP |
How Orleans (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Orleans (T)'s score of 87/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orleans (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
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 #379 out of 855 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 1,440 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 #379 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 56% of state cities) and #4336 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.