Garden City, NY: Lead Above EPA Limits — 67/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 6 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent monitoring cycles, Garden City tap water shows a mixed record for NY — several systems have documented violations alongside areas with clean compliance histories.
How Garden City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Garden City Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.02 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $4,260 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.69.
Garden City's Water Providers
Structurally, Garden City, NY's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 6 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Garden City, New York (population ~28,041), covering 6 community water systems serving approximately 361,303 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Garden City: C (67/100)
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
Garden City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0200 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 4 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 4 ZIP codes
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11530 | C | 1 | 0 | Garden City (v) |
| 11531 | C | 1 | 0 | Garden City (v) |
| 11535 | B | 1 | 0 | Garden City (v) |
| 11599 | C | 1 | 0 | Garden City (v) |
All ZIP Codes in Garden City
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.
Garden City 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 Garden City's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Garden City
At current valuations, Garden City sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Garden City are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,840–$5,880 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 173% above the New York average.
Garden City: 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.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>4 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Garden City: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Garden City shows a moderate flood record — 25 claims and 25% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Garden City has a moderate flood history with 25 FEMA claims averaging $7,032 per payout. 25% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$4,260</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Garden City
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Garden City's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Garden City, NY