Bedford, NY: 33 Health Violations — 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Bedford meets baseline drinking water standards, some NY-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Bedford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Bedford Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 37 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 80% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.47.
Who Supplies Your Water in Bedford
Bedford, NY is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 6 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bedford, New York (population ~6,246), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 13,316 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 33 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bedford: C (65/100)
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
Bedford water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 2806 | Other | 46 | 1 |
| Chloroform | Disinfection Byproducts | 18 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1017 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Copper | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10506 | C | 37 | 33 | Bedford Consolidated W.d. |
All ZIP Codes in Bedford
- 10506 [C] — 37 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.
Health Outcomes in Bedford
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
Top Contaminants in Bedford Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Bedford
With 80% 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 a city's housing median build year is 1963, as in Bedford, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Bedford 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Bedford Homeowners
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Bedford is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Bedford are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 203% above the New York average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Bedford
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.
When older housing represents 80% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Bedford address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Bedford
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Bedford shows a moderate flood record — 39 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.
Bedford has a moderate flood history with 39 FEMA claims averaging $5,838 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>$1,800</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 Bedford
- 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. Filters rated for Contaminant 2806 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Bedford's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 80% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bedford, NY