Water Quality in Big Flats, NY: 1 Violation — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Big Flats's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
SDWIS records for Big Flats, NY show 1 EPA violation documented for the local water supply — these span the full range of reportable events from health-based exceedances to monitoring and reporting lapses registered with the federal program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Big Flats
Water quality varies across Big Flats's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14814 | C | 63 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Big Flats, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Big Flats have accumulated 1 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,995 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Big Flats's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Big Flats water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Big Flats has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Big Flats is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Big Flats
Big Flats is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,995 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Flats. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Big Flats
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Big Flats. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-30 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-05 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-22 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-11-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-22 | State Filed Motion |
| 2024-11-21 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
Big Flats vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Big Flats's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Flats | C | 1 | 4 | 8,995 |
| Huguenot | D | 0 | 1 | 9,000 |
| Maple Springs | D | 0 | 1 | 9,000 |
| Sparrow Bush | D | 0 | 1 | 9,000 |
Common Questions About Big Flats Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Big Flats, New York:
Is Big Flats water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Big Flats's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Big Flats tap water? Big Flats's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Big Flats? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Big Flats vs. New York Average
Understanding how Big Flats compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Big Flats.
ZIP Codes in Big Flats
Big Flats spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 14814. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.