WaterVerge

Is Oxford (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Oxford (T) ranks. What to do next ↓

504 residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY0800628
Overall Score
97.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#10 of 855 in New York Top 1% nationally
State
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
97.8/100
waterverge.com
A+ 97.8/100

Oxford (T), NY — Water Quality Report

Oxford (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A+ (97.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Oxford (T)'s water

Oxford (T) ranks #10 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Oxford (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.

As a small community water system, Oxford (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
97.8 out of 100 Grade A+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44.4/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.4/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Oxford (T), NY water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Oxford (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (97.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater (wells).

None
Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Oxford (T)

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oxford (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (97.8/100).

Disaster
HURRICANE HENRI

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Oxford (T)'s water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Oxford (T)'s water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MONMROther
Most recent violations:
Mar 2020 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Sep 2018 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2015 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2015 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Chenango County has experienced 8 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 Chenango River.

HURRICANE HENRI
Hurricane FEMA DR-3565
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4397
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4129

Where does Oxford (T)'s water come from?

Oxford (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 504 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chenango River (river).

What Oxford (T) residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Oxford (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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
NDMA (N-Nitrosodimethylamine)
Disinfection Byproduct
Detected
4.4 ng/L
CA Public Health Goal: 10 ng/L · 44% of limit
DetectedProbable CarcinogenUCMR 2 Data (2008–2010)
Compliance Record

Violation summary

9
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Mar 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

9 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
9 Resolved
Violations by category
Miscellaneous Other Rules
5
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Mar 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Mar 2020
Sep 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2018
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Aug 1998 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Aug 1998
Jul 1998 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jul 1998
Jan 1997 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jan 1997
Jan 1996 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jan 1996
Oct 1995 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Oct 1995
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Aug 2021
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Chenango County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2021
HURRICANE HENRI
Hurricane FEMA #3565
Oct 2018
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4397
Jul 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4129
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3351
Jun 2011
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA #1993
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3262

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 7.0 ppb from 1994 (9.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
State
Population Served
504
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Oxford (T)'s water comes from

Groundwater

Oxford (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 state ownership and serves approximately 504 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Oxford (T)

Oxford (T) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Chenango River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Oxford (T)

System Name PWSID Population Source
NEW YORK STATE VETERANS HOME NY0800628 504 GW
Regional Comparison

How Oxford (T) compares

Full New York rankings →

Oxford (T)'s score of 97.8/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Oxford (T) (this city)
97.8
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Oxford (T), NY

Wikipedia →

Oxford is a town in Chenango County, New York, United States. The town contains a village also named Oxford. Oxford is an interior town in the south-central part of the county, southwest of the city of Norwich. At the 2010 census the town population was 3,901. The name derives from that of the native town of an early landowner from New England.

Economic Profile
$62,721
Median Income
$96,473
Median Home Value
$747/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
45.4
Median Age
23
People / sq mi
12.9%
College Educated
81.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Oxford (T), NY tap water safe to drink?

Oxford (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A+ (97.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Oxford (T)'s water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.

How is Oxford (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 Oxford (T)?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Oxford (T)'s water come from?

Oxford (T)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 504 residents.

Is Oxford (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?

Oxford (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 9 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 Oxford (T)'s water compare to other cities?

Oxford (T) ranks #10 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 99% of state cities) and #63 out of 15744 cities nationally (100th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Oxford (T)'s small water system affect quality?

Oxford (T)'s system serves approximately 504 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 9 violations on record.