Is Richfield Springs (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com Richfield Springs (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Richfield Springs (V)'s drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 14 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richfield Springs (V)'s water
Richfield Springs (V) ranks #574 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average 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, Richfield Springs (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richfield Springs (V), NY water safe to drink?
Richfield Springs (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Richfield Springs (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richfield Springs (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4129). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Richfield Springs (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richfield Springs (V)'s water system has 14 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Otsego County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Fulmer Creek.
Where does Richfield Springs (V)'s water come from?
Richfield Springs (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fulmer Creek (river).
What Richfield Springs (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richfield Springs (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.
Richfield Springs (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
Otsego County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richfield Springs (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Richfield Springs (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richfield Springs (V)'s water comes from
Richfield Springs (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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Richfield Springs (V)
Richfield Springs (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.
Water systems serving Richfield Springs (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHFIELD SPRINGS VILLAGE | NY3800156 | 1,200 | SW |
How Richfield Springs (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Richfield Springs (V)'s score of 79.5/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Richfield Springs (V), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richfield Springs (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Otsego
Frequently asked questions
Is Richfield Springs (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Richfield Springs (V)'s water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #574 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Richfield Springs (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Richfield Springs (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 Richfield Springs (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richfield Springs (V)'s water come from?
Richfield Springs (V)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has Richfield Springs (V)'s water system had?
Richfield Springs (V) has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Richfield Springs (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Richfield Springs (V) ranks #574 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 33% of state cities) and #8247 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Richfield Springs (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Richfield Springs (V)'s system serves approximately 1,200 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 14 violations on record.