Is Sandy Creek (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Sandy Creek (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Sandy Creek (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,683 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandy Creek (T)'s water
Sandy Creek (T) ranks #219 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sandy Creek (T) purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Sandy Creek (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandy Creek (T), NY water safe to drink?
Sandy Creek (T)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,683 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sandy Creek (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandy Creek (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Sandy Creek (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sandy Creek (T)'s water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Oswego 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 Salmon River.
Where does Sandy Creek (T)'s water come from?
Sandy Creek (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,683 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Salmon River (river).
What Sandy Creek (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.
Sandy Creek (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 ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Oswego 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.
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sandy Creek (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandy Creek (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandy Creek (T)'s water comes from
Sandy Creek (T) purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Sandy Creek (T)'s local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,683 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sandy Creek (T)
Sandy Creek (T) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sandy Creek (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANDY CREEK TOWN WD #1 | NY3730200 | 1,464 | GWP |
| SANDY CREEK TOWN WD#2 | NY3730203 | 219 | GWP |
How Sandy Creek (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Sandy Creek (T)'s score of 90.4/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sandy Creek (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Oswego
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandy Creek (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Sandy Creek (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #219 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Sandy Creek (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Sandy Creek (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 Sandy Creek (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandy Creek (T)'s water come from?
Sandy Creek (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,683 residents.
Is Sandy Creek (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sandy Creek (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 6 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 Sandy Creek (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Sandy Creek (T) ranks #219 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 74% of state cities) and #2239 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.