Water Quality in Glens Falls, NY: 37 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Glens Falls'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
EPA files for Glens Falls, NY document 37 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Glens Falls
Water quality varies across Glens Falls's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12801 | A | 86 | 37 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Glens Falls.
Water Quality Overview
Glens Falls, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Glens Falls have accumulated 37 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 66,033 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Glens Falls'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 Glens Falls water systems is 0.0046 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 87% of homes built before 1986, Glens Falls 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
Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls
Glens Falls is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 66,033 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 Glens Falls. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Glens Falls
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 Glens Falls Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Glens Falls's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 6 | 1 | No |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
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 Glens Falls:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Glens Falls. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-01 | EPA Formal Action |
| 2025-06-16 | EPA Formal Action |
| 2025-06-12 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-31.
Glens Falls vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Glens Falls's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Glens Falls | C | 37 | 5 | 66,033 |
| Binghamton | D | 105 | 5 | 62,652 |
| White Plains | C | 35 | 5 | 62,154 |
| Alplaus | D | 0 | 1 | 61,821 |
Common Questions About Glens Falls Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Glens Falls, New York:
Is Glens Falls water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Glens Falls's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Glens Falls tap water? Glens Falls's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Glens Falls? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Glens Falls vs. New York Average
Understanding how Glens Falls 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 Glens Falls.
ZIP Codes in Glens Falls
Glens Falls spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 12801. 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.