Cherry Plain, NY: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to NY averages, Cherry Plain scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Cherry Plain Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Cherry Plain Water
- Homes built before 1986: 68% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.86.
Who Supplies Your Water in Cherry Plain
Cherry Plain, NY draws its water from one primary utility across 1 tracked system.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Cherry Plain, New York (population ~29), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 700 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Cherry Plain — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Cherry Plain: D (40/100)
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
Cherry Plain water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Cherry Plain
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12040 | D | BERLIN WATER DISTRICT # 2 | 700 |
All ZIP Codes in Cherry Plain
- 12040 [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.
Health Outcomes in Cherry Plain
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Cherry Plain
With 68% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Cherry Plain is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1986 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Cherry Plain 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 Cherry Plain Homeowners
Low proportionality — that's the Cherry Plain picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Cherry Plain are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 15% below the New York average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Cherry Plain
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.
68% of Cherry Plain housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Cherry Plain
- 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 68% 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 Cherry Plain, NY