C43/100
Garden City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 23,272 residents · New York
What's In Garden City's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.019 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Over Limit |
1,4-dioxane | 3.90 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2023 – February 28, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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
GARDEN CITY (V)
Population Served
23,272
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
NY2902824
Frequently Asked Questions About Garden City Water
Is Garden City tap water safe to drink?
Garden City, New York tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 26 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Garden City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Garden City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), 1,4-dioxane. 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 Garden City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Garden City has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 5 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Garden City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Garden City 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 Garden City's tap water come from?
Garden City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GARDEN CITY (V). The system serves approximately 23,272 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Garden City'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. Garden City'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 Garden City's water compare to other cities in New York?
Garden City's water quality score of 43/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our New York state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Garden City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Garden City'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 (GARDEN CITY (V)) 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.