Albany, NY: Lead Above EPA Limits - 21/100 (2026)
50 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · Updated 2026-07-19
ZipCheckup grade for Albany: F.
Federal data flags serious home-safety risks for this ZIP.
Your top priority: see the breakdown below and consider a certified water filter. NSF certified filters →
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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, FEMA NFIP, Census ACS Last verified: 2026-07-19
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.
Water Quality in Albany
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 - 1,150 total, including no health-based violations.
Average Home Safety Score: F (21/100)
Water sources: Groundwater, Surface water.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 750 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2829 | Other | 100 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2049 | Other | 50 | 50 |
| Contaminant 2454 | Other | 50 | 50 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 50 | 50 |
Lead Risk
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0160 mg/L - exceeds EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L
- 50 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
- 82% of housing built before 1986 (when lead solder was banned)
- 44% of housing built before 1950 (when lead pipes were standard)
- Median year built: 1938
- Most common estimated pipe material: Galvanized Steel or Copper
- Lead exposure risk score: 87/100
- Estimated lead service line probability: 25%
- 11 ZIP codes classified as high or very high lead risk
With 82% of homes built before the 1986 lead solder ban, Albany residents - especially those in older neighborhoods - should consider testing their tap water for lead. Homes built before 1950 are at the highest risk of having lead service lines.
Housing Age Distribution
74,034 total housing units across 50 ZIP codes:
| Era | Units | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1940 | 24,545 | 33% |
| 1940–1949 | 5,527 | 7% |
| 1950–1959 | 10,420 | 14% |
| 1960–1969 | 8,417 | 11% |
| 1970–1979 | 9,502 | 13% |
| 1980–1989 | 6,392 | 9% |
| 1990–1999 | 4,085 | 6% |
| 2000–2009 | 1,938 | 3% |
| 2010–2019 | 3,151 | 4% |
| 2020+ | 57 | 0% |
Flood Risk
FEMA National Flood Insurance Program data for Albany:
- 98 flood insurance claims on record
- $944,171 total paid out
- $9,634 average claim payout
- Dominant FEMA flood zone: A12 (High risk)
- 4 of 50 ZIP codes in high-risk flood zones (A/V)
Radon Risk
Dominant EPA 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.
Neighborhoods by Safety Score
Safest Areas
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12202 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12204 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12209 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12210 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12211 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12212 | 31/100 | F | 23 |
| 12203 | 26/100 | F | 23 |
| 12205 | 26/100 | F | 23 |
| 12207 | 26/100 | F | 23 |
| 12208 | 26/100 | F | 23 |
Areas Needing Attention
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12288 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12261 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12260 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12257 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12256 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12255 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12252 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12250 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12249 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
| 12248 | 19/100 | F | 23 |
What Albany Residents Can Do
Test Your Water
- Order a certified lab test - home test kits cost $20–50 and cover lead, bacteria, and common contaminants
- Request your utility's CCR (Consumer Confidence Report) - your water provider must publish this annually
- Check your ZIP code - each area in Albany has different water systems and risk levels
Filter Your Water
- NSF-certified pitcher filter removes chlorine taste and some contaminants ($20–40)
- NSF 53-certified filter for lead - recommended for homes built before 1986
- Reverse osmosis system removes 95%+ of contaminants including lead, PFAS, and nitrates ($150–400)
Test for Radon
- Albany is in a high-risk radon area
- Short-term radon test kits cost $10–25
- If levels exceed 4 pCi/L, EPA recommends professional mitigation
Stay Informed
- Visit your ZIP code report for detailed, address-level data
- Sign up for EPA water quality alerts
- Review the annual water quality report from your local utility
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe to drink in Albany, NY?
Albany has an average Home Safety Score of 21/100 (grade F) across 50 ZIP codes. There are 1150 recorded EPA violations, 0 of which are health-based. Safety varies by neighborhood - check your specific ZIP code report for details.
Does Albany have lead in the water?
The average 90th-percentile lead level across Albany is 0.0160 mg/L, which exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 50 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit. About 82% of housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was banned.
Is Albany at risk for flooding?
FEMA data shows 98 flood insurance claims in Albany ZIP codes, with an average payout of $9,634. 4 of 50 ZIP codes are in high-risk FEMA flood zones (A or V).
Are there lead pipes in Albany homes?
82% of Albany housing was built before 1986, when lead solder was common in plumbing. 44% was built before 1950, when lead pipes were standard. The most common estimated pipe material is Galvanized Steel or Copper. The estimated probability of lead service lines is 25%. We recommend testing your water if your home was built before 1986.
What contaminants have been found in Albany water?
The most common contaminants by violation count are Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Contaminant 2829, Contaminant 2049. Across 50 ZIP codes, 50 have recorded EPA violations. Check your ZIP code report for the specific contaminants in your area.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Housing age: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey
- Flood data: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program
- Lead exposure: Composite risk score based on housing age, water lead levels, and service line estimates
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Albany Infrastructure Age
Median build year of 1938 means many homes predate lead paint and lead solder regulations. Consider testing if your home has original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Since 1986, federal law has prohibited lead solder in new residential plumbing. With a median build year of 1938, much of Albany's housing falls on the safer side of that line - though homes built before 1986 still warrant testing regardless of the city-wide profile.
Most homes in Albany were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
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
Insurance claims filed under FEMA's NFIP for Albany remain modest - consistent with limited flood exposure and an environment where flood-related water quality disruptions stay infrequent. The mechanisms connecting flooding to water safety are real but require event conditions that rarely appear at this claim volume.
Albany has a relatively low flood history with 98 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.
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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- 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