Is South Dayton (V), 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 ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com South Dayton (V), NY — Water Quality Report
South Dayton (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 661 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.7 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. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Dayton (V)'s water
South Dayton (V) ranks #437 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
South Dayton (V) relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, South Dayton (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Dayton (V), NY water safe to drink?
South Dayton (V)'s tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 661 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for South Dayton (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Dayton (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3351). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3262). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Dayton (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
South Dayton (V)'s water system has 4 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cattaraugus County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Cattaraugus Creek, Thatcher Brook.
Where does South Dayton (V)'s water come from?
South Dayton (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 661 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cattaraugus Creek (river), Thatcher Brook (river).
What South Dayton (V) 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
South Dayton (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
Cattaraugus County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 4.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how South Dayton (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where South Dayton (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Dayton (V)'s water comes from
South Dayton (V)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 661 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Dayton (V)
South Dayton (V) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving South Dayton (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH DAYTON VILLAGE | NY0400351 | 661 | GW |
How South Dayton (V) compares
Full New York rankings →South Dayton (V)'s score of 85.6/100 is above the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About South Dayton (V), NY
Wikipedia →South Dayton is a village in Cattaraugus County, New York, United States. The population was 564 at the 2020 census. The village lies within the town of Dayton by the southwest corner of the town and less than a mile from the border of Chautauqua County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Dayton (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cattaraugus
Frequently asked questions
Is South Dayton (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
South Dayton (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #437 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in South Dayton (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 4.7 ppb (90th percentile). 4 violations are on record.
How is South Dayton (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 South Dayton (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Dayton (V)'s water come from?
South Dayton (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 661 residents.
Is South Dayton (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
South Dayton (V) 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 South Dayton (V)'s water compare to other cities?
South Dayton (V) ranks #437 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 49% of state cities) and #5242 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Dayton (V)'s small water system affect quality?
South Dayton (V)'s system serves approximately 661 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.