B69/100

Alfred Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 7,700 residents · New York

What's In Alfred's Tap Water?

32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
4.40 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit

EPA Violation History

14

Violations (last 5yr)

2

Unresolved

2

Health-Related

TIER 2Unresolved

Treatment technique violation

When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved

Reporting violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 17, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023 – May 28, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Consumer confidence report — inadequate or unavailable

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2023 – May 28, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Consumer confidence report — content deficiency

When: July 1, 2023 – May 28, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2022 – May 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

Understanding violation severity

Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.

Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly

Water Utility Details

ALFRED VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY
Population Served

1,300

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NY0200309

ALFRED STATE COLLEGE
Population Served

3,600

Water Source

Purchased Groundwater

System ID

NY0220581

ALFRED UNIVERSITY
Population Served

2,800

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

NY0220582

Frequently Asked Questions About Alfred Water

Is Alfred tap water safe to drink?

Alfred, New York tap water receives a grade of B (69/100), which is considered good. Out of 32 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.

What contaminants are in Alfred's water?

Of the 32 contaminants tested in Alfred's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Alfred have any water quality violations?

Yes, Alfred has 65 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MON, TT, RPT. 3 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Alfred?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Alfred is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Alfred's tap water come from?

Alfred's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by ALFRED VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 7,700 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

How often is Alfred's water tested?

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Alfred's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.

How does Alfred's water compare to other cities in New York?

Alfred's water quality score of 69/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our New York state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Alfred's water quality?

If you have concerns about Alfred's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (ALFRED VILLAGE WATER SUPPLY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.

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