Alplaus, NY: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Alplaus's water safety record falls below average in NY — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Alplaus Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Alplaus Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 90% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.15 — above typical levels.
Alplaus's Water Providers
Because residential water in Alplaus, NY flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Alplaus, New York (population ~610), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 61,821 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Alplaus — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Alplaus: D (45/100)
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
Alplaus water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Alplaus
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12008 | D | SCHENECTADY CITY WATER WORKS | 61,821 |
All ZIP Codes in Alplaus
- 12008 [D]
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.
Alplaus 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
Alplaus Infrastructure Age
With 90% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Alplaus's median build year of 1902 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Alplaus 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Alplaus
The equity impact of remediation in Alplaus sits at a moderate level — real enough to plan for, within reach for most.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Alplaus. The estimated $2,400–$4,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 26% below the New York average.
Alplaus: 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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 90% pre-rule share in Alplaus keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Alplaus: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Alplaus has accumulated 13 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Alplaus has a moderate flood history with 13 FEMA claims averaging $23,013 per payout. 100% 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>$3,600</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 Alplaus
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 90% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 Alplaus, NY