B70/100
Cortland Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 20,095 residents · New York
What's In Cortland's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2010.
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
CORTLAND (C)
Population Served
20,095
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NY1101754
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Water
Is Cortland tap water safe to drink?
Cortland, New York tap water receives a grade of B (70/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 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 Cortland's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Cortland's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cortland have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cortland has 7 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2010. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cortland?
Cortland water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Cortland's tap water come from?
Cortland's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CORTLAND (C). The system serves approximately 20,095 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cortland'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. Cortland'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 Cortland's water compare to other cities in New York?
Cortland's water quality score of 70/100 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 Cortland's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cortland'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 (CORTLAND (C)) 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.