Water Quality in Clifton Springs, NY: 18 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Clifton Springs's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Clifton Springs, NY carry 18 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Clifton Springs
Water quality varies across Clifton Springs's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14432 | D | 50 | 18 | 11 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Clifton Springs.
Water Quality Overview
Clifton Springs, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Clifton Springs have accumulated 18 EPA violations, including 11 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,374 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Clifton Springs's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Clifton Springs water systems is 0.0018 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 73% of homes built before 1986, Clifton Springs 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
Clifton Springs 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 Clifton Springs
Clifton Springs is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,374 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 Clifton Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Clifton Springs
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
Contaminants Detected in Clifton Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Clifton Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 9 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Clifton Springs:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 | 5 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 5 enforcement actions against water systems serving Clifton Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-03 | EPA Formal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-21.
Clifton Springs vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Clifton Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clifton Springs | D | 18 | 4 | 5,374 |
| Kanona | D | 0 | 1 | 5,400 |
| Lake Clear | C | 0 | 1 | 5,345 |
| Harriman | D | 18 | 2 | 5,325 |
Common Questions About Clifton Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Clifton Springs, New York:
Is Clifton Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Clifton Springs's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Clifton Springs tap water? Clifton Springs's water receives a grade of D (50/100). There are 11 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Clifton Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Clifton Springs vs. New York Average
Understanding how Clifton Springs 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 Clifton Springs.
ZIP Codes in Clifton Springs
Clifton Springs spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 14432. 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.