Is Skaneateles (T), 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 ↓
80.8/100
waterverge.com Skaneateles (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Skaneateles (T)'s drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 residents using purchased 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 26 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Skaneateles (T)'s water
Skaneateles (T) ranks #556 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, Skaneateles (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Skaneateles (T), NY water safe to drink?
Skaneateles (T)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,610 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Skaneateles (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Skaneateles (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.8/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Skaneateles (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Skaneateles (T)'s water system has 26 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Onondaga 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 Owasco Lake, Owasco Outlet, Skaneateles Creek.
Where does Skaneateles (T)'s water come from?
Skaneateles (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Owasco Lake (lake), Owasco Outlet (river), Skaneateles Creek (river).
What Skaneateles (T) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Skaneateles (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.
Skaneateles (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
Onondaga 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Skaneateles (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Skaneateles (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Skaneateles (T)'s water comes from
Skaneateles (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 2,610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Skaneateles (T)
Skaneateles (T) is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Skaneateles (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SKANEATELES VILLAGE | NY3304331 | 2,610 | SWP |
How Skaneateles (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Skaneateles (T)'s score of 80.8/100 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 Skaneateles (T), NY
Wikipedia →Skaneateles is a town in Onondaga County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 7,112. The name is from the Iroquois term for the adjacent Skaneateles Lake, which means "long lake." The town is on the western border of the county and includes a village, also named Skaneateles. Both the town and village are southwest of Syracuse.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Skaneateles (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Onondaga
Frequently asked questions
Is Skaneateles (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Skaneateles (T)'s water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #556 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Skaneateles (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Skaneateles (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 Skaneateles (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Skaneateles (T)'s water come from?
Skaneateles (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,610 residents.
What health violations has Skaneateles (T)'s water system had?
Skaneateles (T) has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Skaneateles (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Skaneateles (T) ranks #556 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 35% of state cities) and #7715 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Skaneateles (T)'s small water system affect quality?
Skaneateles (T)'s system serves approximately 2,610 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 26 violations on record.