Is Otego (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Otego (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Otego (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Otego (V)'s water
Otego (V) ranks #493 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Otego (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, Otego (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Otego (V), NY water safe to drink?
Otego (V)'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,010 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Otego (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Otego (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Otego (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Otego (V)'s water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Otsego County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 East Sidney Lake, Ouleout Creek, Susquehanna River.
Where does Otego (V)'s water come from?
Otego (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Sidney Lake (lake), Ouleout Creek (river), Susquehanna River (river).
What Otego (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Otego (V)'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.
Otego (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
Otsego County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Otego (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Otego (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Otego (V)'s water comes from
Otego (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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,010 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Otego (V)
Otego (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 Otego (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTEGO VILLAGE | NY3800155 | 1,010 | GW |
How Otego (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Otego (V)'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 Otego (V), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Otego (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otsego
Frequently asked questions
Is Otego (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Otego (V)'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 #493 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Otego (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Otego (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 Otego (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Otego (V)'s water come from?
Otego (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,010 residents.
Is Otego (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Otego (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 14 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 Otego (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Otego (V) ranks #493 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 42% of state cities) and #6558 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.
Does Otego (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Otego (V)'s system serves approximately 1,010 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 14 violations on record.