Is Philadelphia (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Philadelphia (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Philadelphia (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 1 violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Philadelphia (V)'s water
Philadelphia (V) ranks #465 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Philadelphia (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, Philadelphia (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Philadelphia (V), NY water safe to drink?
Philadelphia (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Philadelphia (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Philadelphia (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Philadelphia (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Philadelphia (V)'s water system has 1 total violation on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Philadelphia (V)'s water come from?
Philadelphia (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Philadelphia (V) 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.
Philadelphia (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
Jefferson County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Philadelphia (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Philadelphia (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Philadelphia (V)'s water comes from
Philadelphia (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 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Philadelphia (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILADELPHIA VILLAGE | NY2202341 | 1,800 | GU |
How Philadelphia (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Philadelphia (V)'s score of 84.6/100 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 Philadelphia (V), NY
Wikipedia →Philadelphia is a town in Jefferson County, New York, United States. The population was 1,964 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Philadelphia (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Philadelphia (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Philadelphia (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #465 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Philadelphia (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Philadelphia (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 Philadelphia (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Philadelphia (V)'s water come from?
Philadelphia (V)'s water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has Philadelphia (V)'s water system had?
Philadelphia (V) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Philadelphia (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Philadelphia (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 1 violation 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 Philadelphia (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Philadelphia (V) ranks #465 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 46% of state cities) and #5783 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Philadelphia (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Philadelphia (V)'s system serves approximately 1,800 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 1 violation on record.