Is Yates (T), NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A+ with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how Yates (T) ranks. What to do next ↓
95.9/100
waterverge.com Yates (T), NY — Water Quality Report
Yates (T)'s drinking water received a grade of A+ (95.9 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,700 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about Yates (T)'s water
Yates (T) ranks #34 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Yates (T) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yates (T), NY water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, Yates (T)'s tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A+ (95.9/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,700 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Yates (T)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yates (T)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A+ (95.9/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4348). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Yates (T)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Yates (T)'s water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Orleans County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Lake Ontario (Thirtymile Pt), Johnson Creek, Oak Orchard Creek.
Where does Yates (T)'s water come from?
Yates (T)'s drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Lake Ontario (Thirtymile Pt) (lake), Johnson Creek (river), Oak Orchard Creek (river).
What Yates (T) 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.
Yates (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
Orleans County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Yates (T) compares by contaminant
Explore where Yates (T) ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yates (T)'s water comes from
Yates (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 1,700 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Yates (T)
Yates (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 Yates (T)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YATES W.D. #4 | NY3630017 | 1,525 | SWP |
| YATES W.D. #2 | NY3600604 | 175 | SWP |
| NIAGARA COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | NY3100567 | — | SW |
How Yates (T) compares
Full New York rankings →Yates (T)'s score of 95.9/100 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 Yates (T), NY
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yates (T)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orleans
Frequently asked questions
Is Yates (T), NY tap water safe to drink?
Yates (T)'s water quality earned a grade of A+ (95.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in Yates (T)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Yates (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 Yates (T)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yates (T)'s water come from?
Yates (T)'s water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,700 residents.
How does Yates (T)'s water compare to other cities?
Yates (T) ranks #34 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 96% of state cities) and #256 out of 15744 cities nationally (98th percentile). The grade of A+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.