Is Seneca (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 ↓
80.5/100
waterverge.com Seneca (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Seneca (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,625 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 4 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Seneca (T)'s water
Seneca (T) ranks #563 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Seneca (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, Seneca (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Seneca (T), NY water safe to drink?
Seneca (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Seneca (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Seneca (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.5/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1993). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Seneca (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
Seneca (T)'s water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
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 Keuka Lake Outlet, Canandaigua Outlet, Flint Creek.
Where does Seneca (T)'s water come from?
Seneca (T)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Keuka Lake Outlet (river), Canandaigua Outlet (river), Flint Creek (river).
What Seneca (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Seneca (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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Seneca (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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Seneca (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. | 3.4 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2006)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Seneca (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Seneca (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Seneca (T)'s water comes from
Seneca (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 Seneca (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 2,625 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Seneca (T)
Seneca (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Seneca (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SENECA TOWN WD | NY3401178 | 2,625 | GWP |
How Seneca (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Seneca (T)'s score of 80.5/100 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 Seneca (T), NY
Wikipedia →Stanley is a hamlet in Ontario County, New York, United States, located along New York State Route 245 in the Town of Seneca. It has a post office with a zip code of 14561. The Town of Seneca justice court is located in Stanley. Stanley was formerly known as Stanleys Corners; the nearby hamlet of Hall was also formerly known as Halls Corners. Stanley is known by many as the cabbage capital of the Northeastern United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Seneca (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ontario
Frequently asked questions
Is Seneca (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Seneca (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #563 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Seneca (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is Seneca (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 Seneca (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Seneca (T)'s water come from?
Seneca (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,625 residents.
Is Seneca (T)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Seneca (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 4 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 Seneca (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Seneca (T) ranks #563 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 34% of state cities) and #7837 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Seneca (T)'s small water system affect quality?
Seneca (T)'s system serves approximately 2,625 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 4 violations on record.