C43/100
Herkimer Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 8,630 residents · New York
What's In Herkimer's Tap Water?
52
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 2.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.019 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
17
Violations (last 5yr)
11
Unresolved
17
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: April 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: January 1, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Other non-health-based violation
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: October 1, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: July 1, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: April 1, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: January 1, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: October 1, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: July 1, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: April 1, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: January 1, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: October 1, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: July 1, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: April 1, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: January 1, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Coliform (pre-2016 TCR)
When: October 1, 2021Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
EAST HERKIMER WATER DISTRICT
Population Served
1,024
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
NY2102300
HERKIMER VILLAGE
Population Served
7,606
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
NY2102306
Frequently Asked Questions About Herkimer Water
Is Herkimer tap water safe to drink?
Herkimer, New York tap water receives a grade of C (43/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 173 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Herkimer's water?
Of the 52 contaminants tested in Herkimer's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 2 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 Herkimer have any water quality violations?
Yes, Herkimer has 173 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include TT, MR, MON. 42 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Herkimer?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Herkimer is recommended. 2 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 Herkimer's tap water come from?
Herkimer's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by EAST HERKIMER WATER DISTRICT and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,630 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Herkimer'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. Herkimer'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 Herkimer's water compare to other cities in New York?
Herkimer'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 Herkimer's water quality?
If you have concerns about Herkimer'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 (EAST HERKIMER WATER DISTRICT) 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.