Bethel, NY: 20 Health Violations — 33/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
If you're researching Bethel, 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 Bethel Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Bethel Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 32 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.004 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.92 — above typical levels.
Bethel's Water Providers
Federal records list 4 water systems tied to Bethel, NY. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bethel, New York (population ~434), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 913 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 20 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bethel: F (33/100)
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
Bethel water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0040 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroform | Disinfection Byproducts | 20 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1017 | Other | 14 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 14 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2049 | Other | 6 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2806 | Other | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12720 | F | 32 | 20 | Meadows at Cross River |
All ZIP Codes in Bethel
- 12720 [F] — 32 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.
Bethel 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 Bethel's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Bethel Infrastructure Age
With 74% 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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Bethel — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1974 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Bethel 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 Bethel
Equity impact data for Bethel lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Bethel are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,100–$3,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% above the New York average.
Bethel: 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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Bethel have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 74% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Bethel
- 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 Chloroform can reduce the most common contaminant found in Bethel's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 74% 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 Bethel, NY