Water Quality: Syracuse, NY
5 water systems • 542,280 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Syracuse is served by 5 public water systems with a combined service population of 542,280 people, and has 56 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 31 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Syracuse's violation count is 53% below the national average for New York. Contaminants associated with violations include Barium, Bromate, Chlorine, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminants Found
Increases blood pressure and causes cardiovascular effects with long-term exposure.
Common source: Natural rock deposits, oil drilling operations, coal power plant waste
EPA limit: 2 mg/L
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Water Systems Serving Syracuse
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCWA | NY3304336 | Surface Water | 350,000 | 0 |
| SYRACUSE CITY | NY3304334 | Surface Water | 192,000 | 20 |
| CARDIFF TOOKES SPRING | NY3304310 | Surface Water | 152 | 0 |
| DELPHI FALLS PARK | NY3300991 | Groundwater | 78 | 36 |
| OCWA SKYRIDGE COMMUNITY WD | NY3304337 | Groundwater | 50 | 0 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in New York
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.