WaterVerge

Is Phelps (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: NY3401162
Overall Score
89.3 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#269 of 855 in New York Top 19% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.3/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.3/100

Phelps (V), NY — Water Quality Report

Phelps (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (89.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,118 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 6 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 Phelps (V)'s water

Phelps (V) ranks #269 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.3 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.3/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Phelps (V), NY water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, Phelps (V)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A- (89.3/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,118 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Violations (5yr)
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
5 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Phelps (V)

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Phelps (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.3/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1993). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Phelps (V)'s water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.40 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Phelps (V)'s water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONMROther
Most recent violations:
Jan 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2023 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2014 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Oct 2014 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Ontario County has experienced 5 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 Flint Creek.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3351
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, TORNADOES, AND STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS
Flood FEMA DR-1993
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3262

Where does Phelps (V)'s water come from?

Phelps (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,118 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Flint Creek (river).

What Phelps (V) 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

Phelps (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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.40 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +8% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
0
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Jan 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
0 Active
0 Health-based
6 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Miscellaneous Other Rules
1
Jan 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Oct 2014 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Oct 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Apr 1999 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Apr 1999
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

5
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Ontario County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

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
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1095
Jun 1972
TROPICAL STORM AGNES
Flood FEMA #338

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Phelps (V)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.40 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 42.2 ppb from 1993 (44.0 ppb) to 2024 (1.8 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has decreased by 0.200 mg/L from 2011 (1.600 mg/L) to 2012 (1.400 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,118
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Phelps (V)'s water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Phelps (V)'s drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,118 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Phelps (V)

Phelps (V) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Flint Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Phelps (V)

System Name PWSID Population Source
PHELPS VILLAGE NY3401162 2,118 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Phelps (V) compares

Full New York rankings →

Phelps (V)'s score of 89.3/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Phelps (V) (this city)
89.3
New York avg
74
City Profile

About Phelps (V), NY

Wikipedia →

Phelps is a town in Ontario County, New York, United States. The population was 6,637 at the 2020 census. The Town of Phelps contains a village called Phelps. Both are north of Geneva.

Economic Profile
$75,156
Median Income
$150,631
Median Home Value
$834/mo
Median Rent
3%
Unemployment
Community
41.9
Median Age
40
People / sq mi
24.1%
College Educated
87.3%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Phelps (V), NY tap water safe to drink?

Phelps (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (89.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #269 out of 855 cities tested in New York.

What contaminants are in Phelps (V)'s water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Phelps (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 Phelps (V)?

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

Where does Phelps (V)'s water come from?

Phelps (V)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,118 residents.

How does Phelps (V)'s water compare to other cities?

Phelps (V) ranks #269 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 69% of state cities) and #2910 out of 15744 cities nationally (82th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Phelps (V)'s small water system affect quality?

Phelps (V)'s system serves approximately 2,118 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 6 violations on record.