Adams, NY: 1 Violation — 81/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, Adams's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for NY — and documented violations are few.
How Adams Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Adams Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0043 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.45 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Adams
Structurally, Adams, NY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Adams, New York, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,106 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Adams: B (81/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Adams water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0043 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13605 | B | 1 | 0 | Adams Village |
All ZIP Codes in Adams
- 13605 [B] — 1 violation
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
CDC Health Data for Adams
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Key Contaminants Detected in Adams
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Adams's Housing Stock?
With 72% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Because the majority of Adams's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1953 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Adams were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Adams: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Because property values in Adams comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Adams are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 48% below the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Adams
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Routinely in Adams, where 72% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Adams
Flood zone coverage in Adams is limited, and NFIP data confirms that pattern with a modest claim total. Limited flood frequency generally means limited risk of the water-quality disruptions that large flood events can trigger.
Adams has a relatively low flood history with 2 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Adams, NY