Is Watkins Glen (V), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.6/100
waterverge.com Watkins Glen (V), NY — Water Quality Report
Watkins Glen (V)'s drinking water received a grade of A (91.6 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,149 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Watkins Glen (V)'s water
Watkins Glen (V) ranks #145 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it above 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, Watkins Glen (V) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Watkins Glen (V), NY water safe to drink?
Watkins Glen (V)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,149 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Watkins Glen (V)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Watkins Glen (V)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4397). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Watkins Glen (V)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Watkins Glen (V)'s water system has 15 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Schuyler County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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 Catharine.
Where does Watkins Glen (V)'s water come from?
Watkins Glen (V)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,149 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Catharine (river).
What Watkins Glen (V) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Watkins Glen (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.
Watkins Glen (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
Schuyler County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1970. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Watkins Glen (V) compares by contaminant
Explore where Watkins Glen (V) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Watkins Glen (V)'s water comes from
Watkins Glen (V)'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 2,149 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Watkins Glen (V)
Watkins Glen (V) is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Watkins Glen (V)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WATKINS GLEN VILLAGE | NY4801188 | 2,149 | SW |
How Watkins Glen (V) compares
Full New York rankings →Watkins Glen (V)'s score of 91.6/100 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 Watkins Glen (V), NY
Wikipedia →Watkins Glen is a village and census-designated place in and the county seat of Schuyler County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,829. Watkins Glen lies between the towns of Dix and Reading. To the southwest of the village is the Watkins Glen International race track, which hosts annual NASCAR Cup Series and WeatherTech SportsCar Championship races, and formerly hosted the Formula One United States Grand Prix and various IndyCar races.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Watkins Glen (V)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schuyler
Frequently asked questions
Is Watkins Glen (V), NY tap water safe to drink?
Watkins Glen (V)'s water quality earned a grade of A (91.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #145 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Watkins Glen (V)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Watkins Glen (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 Watkins Glen (V)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Watkins Glen (V)'s water come from?
Watkins Glen (V)'s water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,149 residents.
What health violations has Watkins Glen (V)'s water system had?
Watkins Glen (V) has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Watkins Glen (V)'s water compare to other cities?
Watkins Glen (V) ranks #145 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 83% of state cities) and #1582 out of 15744 cities nationally (90th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Watkins Glen (V)'s small water system affect quality?
Watkins Glen (V)'s system serves approximately 2,149 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.