Is Otisville (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.3/100
waterverge.com Otisville (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Otisville (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (91.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,090 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 24 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Otisville (V)'s water
Otisville (V) ranks #163 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Otisville (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, Otisville (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Otisville (V), NY water safe to drink?
Otisville (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,090 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Otisville (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Otisville (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.3/100).
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.
Contaminants: 1,1-Dichloroethylene, DICHLOROMETHANE, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Otisville (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Otisville (V)'s water system has 24 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange 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 Gumaer Brook, Basher Kill, Neversink River.
Where does Otisville (V)'s water come from?
Otisville (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,090 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Gumaer Brook (river), Basher Kill (river), Neversink River (river).
What Otisville (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Otisville (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Otisville (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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtOrange County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Orange 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.
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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Otisville (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Otisville (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Otisville (V)'s water comes from
Otisville (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 1,090 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Otisville (V)
Otisville (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 Otisville (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTISVILLE VILLAGE | NY3503552 | 1,090 | GW |
How Otisville (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Otisville (V)'s score of 91.3/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Otisville (V), NY
Wikipedia →Otisville is a village in Orange County, New York, United States. The population was 969 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–Newburgh, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area as well as the larger New York–Newark–Bridgeport, NY-NJ-CT-PA Combined Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Otisville (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Otisville (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Otisville (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (91.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #163 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Otisville (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Otisville (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 Otisville (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Otisville (V)'s water come from?
Otisville (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,090 residents.
What health violations has Otisville (V)'s water system had?
Otisville (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2002. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Otisville (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Otisville (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 24 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 Otisville (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Otisville (V) ranks #163 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 81% of state cities) and #1775 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Otisville (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Otisville (V)'s system serves approximately 1,090 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 24 violations on record.