Darien Center, NY: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water quality in Darien Center has lagged behind NY benchmarks — documented violations keep the safety grade low.
How Darien Center Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Darien Center Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.68 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Darien Center
Throughout Darien Center, NY, water comes from one of 2 primary utilities out of 2 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Darien Center, New York (population ~1,635), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 18,236 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Darien Center — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Darien Center: 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
Darien Center water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Darien Center
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14040 | D | Mcwa Genesee | 15,577 |
All ZIP Codes in Darien Center
- 14040 [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.
CDC Health Data for Darien Center
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
How Old Is Darien Center's Housing Stock?
With 83% 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
The character of Darien Center's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1967 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Darien Center 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.
Darien Center: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Darien Center, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Darien Center are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 40% below the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Darien Center
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 83% of Darien Center stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Darien Center
- 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 83% 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 Darien Center, NY