Water Quality in Utica, NY

Utica's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 51 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Mohawk Valley Water Authority · Source: Hinckley Reservoir · Serves 65,284 residents

51
Hardness (PPM)
99
TDS (PPM)
1.2
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
6
Lead (ppb)
51 PPM 0 400 Slightly Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 51 PPM TDS 99 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 6 ppb Chlorine 1.2 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Utica Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Elevated lead

Utica's Adirondack foothills water from Hinckley Reservoir is among the softest in New York.

What Utica's Water Means for Your Home

Utica's water is slightly hard at 51 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Utica, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Lead is the primary water quality concern for Utica homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 6 ppb, Utica's average lead level is above the health guideline of zero. Lead enters water from service lines and interior plumbing, not from the water source itself. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use reduces exposure, and a certified lead-reduction filter at the kitchen faucet provides ongoing protection.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)51 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids99 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead6 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine1.2 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Utica Homes

⚠️ Lead-Reduction Filter
Lead detected at 6 ppb. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and children are especially vulnerable. Lead typically enters water from old plumbing, not the source water. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead is the most practical solution. If your home was built before 1986, testing is strongly recommended.
Learn more about this solution →

About Utica's Water Supply

Water Utility: Mohawk Valley Water Authority

Water Source: Hinckley Reservoir

Population Served: 65,284

Hardness: 51 PPM (3 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Mohawk Valley Water Authority. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Utica to Other New York Cities

New York

25 PPM · Soft

Buffalo

142 PPM · Hard

Yonkers

45 PPM · Slightly Hard

Rochester

162 PPM · Hard

Syracuse

43 PPM · Slightly Hard

Albany

39 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Utica Water

Is Utica tap water safe to drink?
Utica's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Lead levels are elevated. This is especially concerning in older buildings with lead service lines or lead solder. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Utica?
Probably not. At 51 PPM, Utica's water is on the softer end. Most homes will not experience noticeable scale buildup. That said, if you have high-end fixtures, a glass shower enclosure, or a tankless water heater, even mild hardness can leave mineral deposits over time. A salt-free conditioner is a low-cost insurance policy in that case.
What water filter is best for Utica?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For lead, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for lead reduction. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen faucet are the most practical approach. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Utica's water come from?
Utica's drinking water is sourced from Hinckley Reservoir and treated by Mohawk Valley Water Authority. Utica's Adirondack foothills water from Hinckley Reservoir is among the softest in New York..
What is the hardness of Utica water in grains per gallon?
Utica's water hardness is 3 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 51 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as slightly hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Utica water damage tankless water heaters?
At 3 GPG, Utica's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Utica water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Utica's lead level of 6 ppb is elevated. Run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it for formula or cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter for the kitchen faucet.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Mohawk Valley Water Authority Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.