Is Owego (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Owego (T) ranks. What to do next ↓
97/100
waterverge.com Owego (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Owego (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A+ (97 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,904 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
No violations are on record for this water system.
What to know about Owego (T)'s water
Owego (T) ranks #15 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Owego (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.
Owego (T) has a clean compliance record with no violations on file, reflecting strong operational practices.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Owego (T), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Owego (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,904 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Owego (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Owego (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Owego (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Flood & environmental risk
Tioga County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Susquehanna River, Owego Creek.
Where does Owego (T)'s water come from?
Owego (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,904 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River (river), Owego Creek (river).
What Owego (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.
Owego (T)'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 ↓Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Tioga County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Owego (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Owego (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Owego (T)'s water comes from
Owego (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 4,904 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Owego (T)
Owego (T) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Owego (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OWEGO WD #2 | NY5305672 | 2,754 | GW |
| OWEGO WD #3 | NY5305671 | 2,150 | GW |
How Owego (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Owego (T)'s score of 97/100 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 Owego (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Owego (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tioga
Frequently asked questions
Is Owego (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Owego (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A+ (97/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Owego (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). No violations on record.
How is Owego (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 Owego (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Owego (T)'s water come from?
Owego (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,904 residents.
Is Owego (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Owego (T) uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Current testing shows the groundwater meets EPA standards. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Owego (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Owego (T) ranks #15 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 98% of state cities) and #95 out of 15744 cities nationally (99th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.