Albany, NY: Lead Above EPA Limits — 21/100 (2026)
50 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're researching Albany, NY tap water quality, the baseline finding is below average — health-based violations are documented in several service areas, and verifying the specific system at your address is the right next step.
How Albany Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Albany, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Albany's 50 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Albany Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 1150 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.016 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,538 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.26.
Albany's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Albany, NY — out of 8 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 50 ZIP codes in Albany, New York (population ~155,313), covering 8 community water systems serving approximately 256,457 people region-wide.
50 of 50 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Albany: F (21/100)
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
Albany water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0160 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 50 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 50 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 765 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2829 | Other | 102 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2049 | Other | 51 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2454 | Other | 51 | 50 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 51 | 50 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12201 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12202 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12203 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12204 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12205 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12206 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12207 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12208 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12209 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
| 12210 | F | 23 | 0 | Albany City |
All ZIP Codes in Albany
- 12201 [F] — 23 violations
- 12202 [F] — 23 violations
- 12203 [F] — 23 violations
- 12204 [F] — 23 violations
- 12205 [F] — 23 violations
- 12206 [F] — 23 violations
- 12207 [F] — 23 violations
- 12208 [F] — 23 violations
- 12209 [F] — 23 violations
- 12210 [F] — 23 violations
- 12211 [F] — 23 violations
- 12212 [F] — 23 violations
- 12214 [F] — 23 violations
- 12220 [F] — 23 violations
- 12222 [F] — 23 violations
- 12223 [F] — 23 violations
- 12224 [F] — 23 violations
- 12225 [F] — 23 violations
- 12226 [F] — 23 violations
- 12227 [F] — 23 violations
- 12228 [F] — 23 violations
- 12229 [F] — 23 violations
- 12230 [F] — 23 violations
- 12231 [F] — 23 violations
- 12232 [F] — 23 violations
- 12233 [F] — 23 violations
- 12234 [F] — 23 violations
- 12235 [F] — 23 violations
- 12236 [F] — 23 violations
- 12237 [F] — 23 violations
- 12238 [F] — 23 violations
- 12239 [F] — 23 violations
- 12240 [F] — 23 violations
- 12241 [F] — 23 violations
- 12242 [F] — 23 violations
- 12243 [F] — 23 violations
- 12244 [F] — 23 violations
- 12245 [F] — 23 violations
- 12246 [F] — 23 violations
- 12247 [F] — 23 violations
- 12248 [F] — 23 violations
- 12249 [F] — 23 violations
- 12250 [F] — 23 violations
- 12252 [F] — 23 violations
- 12255 [F] — 23 violations
- 12256 [F] — 23 violations
- 12257 [F] — 23 violations
- 12260 [F] — 23 violations
- 12261 [F] — 23 violations
- 12288 [F] — 23 violations
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.
Albany Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Albany's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Albany
For most Albany homeowners, estimated remediation represents a moderate equity share — manageable with planning.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Albany. The estimated $1,692–$3,324 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 33% below the New York average.
Albany: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>50 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Albany: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Albany — 98 insurance claims paired with 18% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Albany has a moderate flood history with 98 FEMA claims averaging $7,083 per payout. 18% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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>$2,538</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Albany
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Albany's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Albany, NY