Water Quality in Oneonta, NY: 52 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 44/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Oneonta's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Oneonta, NY has 52 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Oneonta
Water quality varies across Oneonta's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13820 | D | 44 | 52 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Oneonta, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 44 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Oneonta have accumulated 52 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 16,835 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Oneonta's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Oneonta water systems is 0.0060 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Oneonta has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Oneonta is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Oneonta
Oneonta is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 16,835 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oneonta. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Oneonta
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Oneonta Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Oneonta's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Oneonta. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-03-20 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-03-20 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-03-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-19 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-01-19 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-01-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-10 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-13.
Oneonta vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Oneonta's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oneonta | D | 52 | 5 | 16,835 |
| Cohoes | C | 5 | 1 | 16,883 |
| Roslyn | A | 0 | 1 | 17,000 |
| Angola | D | 6 | 3 | 16,627 |
Common Questions About Oneonta Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Oneonta, New York:
Is Oneonta water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Oneonta's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Oneonta tap water? Oneonta's water receives a grade of D (44/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Oneonta? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Oneonta vs. New York Average
Understanding how Oneonta compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Oneonta.
ZIP Codes in Oneonta
Oneonta spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13820. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.