Is Van Etten (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Van Etten (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Van Etten (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 602 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.1 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 14 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Van Etten (V)'s water
Van Etten (V) ranks #416 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Van Etten (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, Van Etten (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Van Etten (V), NY water safe to drink?
Van Etten (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 602 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Van Etten (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Van Etten (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood 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 Van Etten (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Van Etten (V)'s water system has 14 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chemung 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.
Where does Van Etten (V)'s water come from?
Van Etten (V)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 602 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Van Etten (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Van Etten (V)'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.
Van Etten (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
Chemung 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. | 0.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Van Etten (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Van Etten (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Van Etten (V)'s water comes from
Van Etten (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 602 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Van Etten (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VAN ETTEN TOWN | NY0730033 | 532 | GW |
| SHEPPARDS CREEK MHP | NY0722646 | 70 | GW |
How Van Etten (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Van Etten (V)'s score of 86.1/100 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 Van Etten (V), NY
Wikipedia →Sharon Katharine Van Etten is an American singer-songwriter, musician and actress. Originally from New Jersey, and currently based in Los Angeles, Van Etten's music is noted for its indie rock aesthetic and personal lyrical content. In the studio and during live performances, Van Etten is currently accompanied by her backing band, the Attachment Theory, which consists of Devra Hoff, Teeny Lieberson and Jorge Balbi (drums).
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Van Etten (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chemung
Frequently asked questions
Is Van Etten (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Van Etten (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #416 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Van Etten (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 0.1 ppb (90th percentile). 14 violations are on record.
How is Van Etten (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 Van Etten (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Van Etten (V)'s water come from?
Van Etten (V)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 602 residents.
Is Van Etten (V)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Van Etten (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 14 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 Van Etten (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Van Etten (V) ranks #416 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 51% of state cities) and #4951 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.