Amsterdam, NY: Lead Above EPA Limits — 30/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Amsterdam, water quality data indicates below-average safety by NY standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Amsterdam Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Amsterdam Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 42 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0313 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,780 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.73 — above typical levels.
Amsterdam's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Amsterdam, NY — 7 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Amsterdam, New York, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 27,339 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 17 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Amsterdam: F (30/100)
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
Amsterdam water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0313 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 26 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 24 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12010 | F | 42 | 17 | Amsterdam (c) |
All ZIP Codes in Amsterdam
- 12010 [F] — 42 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.
Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Amsterdam Infrastructure Age
With 83% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Amsterdam's median build year of 1943 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Amsterdam homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 4.2% of home value, remediation costs in Amsterdam represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,420–$9,940. Home values here are 55% below the New York average.
Amsterdam: 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.
Once federal rules removed lead solder from new plumbing, the older inventory still in service became the active risk surface. 83% of the Amsterdam housing stock comes from that earlier era, and citywide monitoring has crossed the action level.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds 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.
Amsterdam: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Amsterdam shows a moderate flood record — 33 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Amsterdam has a moderate flood history with 33 FEMA claims averaging $18,308 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>$6,780</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 Amsterdam
- 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 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Amsterdam's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 83% 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 Amsterdam, NY