Oneonta, New York's Home for

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has identified 12 contaminants in Oneonta’s municipal water that exceed their health-based guidelines. These guidelines are more stringent than federal legal limits and are designed to reflect the latest science on potential health risks.

Oneonta’s water has shown detectable levels of haloacetic acids (HAA5) and total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), both byproducts of chlorinated disinfection. While these levels are under the EPA’s maximum contaminant limits, long-term exposure to these chemicals has been associated with an increased risk of cancer. The most recent samples from Oneonta showed:

Additionally, nitrate, chromium, and manganese were detected at levels below the federal MCLs, but still flagged by EWG for long-term health concerns.

It’s also important to note that Oneonta’s 2024 Water Quality Report does not include new testing data for lead or copper. The most recent results listed are from 2022, meaning there has been no recent confirmation of current levels of these contaminants.

This matters because lead and copper levels can change over time, especially if there are shifts in water chemistry, aging pipes, or corrosion in plumbing. Without up-to-date testing, residents can’t be certain whether current lead or copper levels remain within safe limits, especially in homes with older plumbing. Regular testing is critical to ensuring safe drinking water. Get a free water test with Culligan today!

Oneonta’s water quality report does not report on water hardness levels. Catella Park Well is added to the system, such as during dry periods or peak demand—hardness levels may temporarily rise. Groundwater usually contains more dissolved minerals, which can push the water into the moderately hard range (60–120 ppm).

Because the city does not publish regular hardness data, the actual hardness level can vary depending on which source is active and seasonal shifts. Residents who notice issues like soap scum, dry skin, or mineral buildup may benefit from a home water test.

Yes, PFAS chemicals have been detected in Oneonta’s water supply. Testing in the region has shown detectable levels of PFOS, according to the most recent water quality report.

The EPA recently finalized maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for:

While Oneonta’s samples may not exceed federal limits, PFAS are persistent, bioaccumulative, and linked to health risks such as developmental issues, hormone disruption, and cancer. Click here to learn more about PFAS-specific whole house filtration systems.

In 2024, daily monitoring showed that fluoride levels were within 0.1 mg/L of the CDC’s target about 45% of the time, with most readings falling slightly below the recommended level.

Oneonta’s water comes from a combination of surface water and groundwater sources. The primary sources are Wilber Lake and the Lower Reservoir, located off Upper East Street. When needed, water is also drawn from the Catella Park Well in Neahwa Park.

Water from these sources flows to the Oneonta Water Treatment Plant, where it undergoes several treatment steps, including filtration, disinfection, pH adjustment, fluoridation, and corrosion control. Once treated, the water is pumped to storage tanks and then distributed throughout the city’s water system.

Because Oneonta’s water ranges from moderately hard to hard, residents may experience mineral scale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and household appliances. A whole house water softener can:

Learn more about the benefits of water softeners here.

Yes, even though Oneonta’s water meets federal regulations, contaminants like:

…are present at levels that raise concern under newer health guidelines. Installing an under-sink reverse osmosis system or whole home filtration system can offer peace of mind by reducing these contaminants.

Click here to learn more about under-sink filtration and here for whole home solutions.

Culligan of Oneonta offers bottled water delivery for both homes and businesses. We provide:

Let us know how many users or how many bottles you need, and our local team will provide personalized pricing and delivery scheduling. Learn more here.

You can view the most recent Oneonta Water Quality Report here.