Is Union Springs (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Union Springs (V) ranks. What to do next ↓
93.6/100
waterverge.com Union Springs (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Union Springs (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (93.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.2 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 15 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Union Springs (V)'s water
Union Springs (V) ranks #94 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Union Springs (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, Union Springs (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union Springs (V), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Union Springs (V)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (93.6/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Union Springs (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union Springs (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4625). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
1 health-based. Contaminants: cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Union Springs (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Union Springs (V)'s water system has 15 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cayuga 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 Seneca River, Owasco Outlet.
Where does Union Springs (V)'s water come from?
Union Springs (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Seneca River (river), Owasco Outlet (river).
What Union Springs (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.
Union Springs (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
Cayuga 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. | 4.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Union Springs (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Union Springs (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union Springs (V)'s water comes from
Union Springs (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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Union Springs (V)
Union Springs (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 Union Springs (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNION SPRINGS VILLAGE | NY0501725 | 2,000 | GW |
How Union Springs (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Union Springs (V)'s score of 93.6/100 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 →About Union Springs (V), NY
Wikipedia →Union Springs is a village in Cayuga County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, Union Springs had a population of 1,075. The name is derived from the mineral springs near the village. Union Springs is in the western part of the town of Springport and is southwest of Auburn.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union Springs (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cayuga
Frequently asked questions
Is Union Springs (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Union Springs (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (93.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Union Springs (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 4.2 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Union Springs (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 Union Springs (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union Springs (V)'s water come from?
Union Springs (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Union Springs (V)'s water system had?
Union Springs (V) has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2000. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.
Is Union Springs (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Union Springs (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 15 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 Union Springs (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Union Springs (V) ranks #94 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 89% of state cities) and #786 out of 15744 cities nationally (95th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Union Springs (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Union Springs (V)'s system serves approximately 2,000 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 15 violations on record.