Is Schoharie (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
71.7/100
waterverge.com Schoharie (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Schoharie (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B- (71.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 595 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 108 violations on record, including 74 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Schoharie (T)'s water
Schoharie (T) ranks #690 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Schoharie (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Schoharie (T), NY water safe to drink?
Schoharie (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 595 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Schoharie (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Schoharie (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.7/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3565). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Schoharie (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Schoharie (T)'s water system has 108 total violations on record, including 74 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Schoharie County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Little Schoharie Creek, Schoharie Creek, Fox Creek, Cobleskill Creek.
Where does Schoharie (T)'s water come from?
Schoharie (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 595 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Schoharie Creek (river), Schoharie Creek (river), Fox Creek (river), Cobleskill Creek (river).
What Schoharie (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Schoharie (T)'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.
Schoharie (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
Schoharie County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Schoharie (T)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.60 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Schoharie (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Schoharie (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Schoharie (T)'s water comes from
Schoharie (T)'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 595 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Schoharie (T)
Schoharie (T) is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Schoharie (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL BRIDGE WATER DISTRICT | NY4700093 | 560 | SW |
| CENTRAL PARK | NY4701524 | 35 | GW |
How Schoharie (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Schoharie (T)'s score of 71.7/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About Schoharie (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Schoharie (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schoharie
Frequently asked questions
Is Schoharie (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Schoharie (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B- (71.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #690 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Schoharie (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 108 violations are on record.
How is Schoharie (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 Schoharie (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Schoharie (T)'s water come from?
Schoharie (T)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 595 residents.
What health violations has Schoharie (T)'s water system had?
Schoharie (T) has 74 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Schoharie (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Schoharie (T) ranks #690 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 19% of state cities) and #10509 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.