WATER QUALITY NY

Water Quality in Howard Beach, NY: No Violations — Grade D

Grade D · Score 40/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03

Howard Beach's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.

Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03

Not one violation appears in NY's EPA file for Howard Beach — 1 monitored system, all clear.

Water Grade

Total Violations

Water Systems

ZIPs with Violations

ZIP Codes Monitored

Water Quality by ZIP Code in Howard Beach

Water quality varies across Howard Beach's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.

ZIP Code	Grade	Score	Violations	Health
11414	D	40	0	0	View report →

Water Quality Overview

Howard Beach, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).

No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Howard Beach. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.

What Grade D Means

A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Howard Beach'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

Lead testing data for Howard Beach is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.

With 92% of homes built before 1986, Howard Beach 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

Howard Beach is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.

Water Systems Serving Howard Beach

Howard Beach is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 143 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

How to Check Your Water in Howard Beach

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

Howard Beach vs. Nearby New York Cities

How Howard Beach's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:

City	Grade	Systems	Population
Howard Beach	D	1	143
Arverne	D	1	143
College Point	D	1	143
Corona	C	1	143

Common Questions About Howard Beach Water

These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Howard Beach, New York:

Is Howard Beach water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Howard Beach's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.

Can I drink Howard Beach tap water? Howard Beach's water receives a grade of D (40/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.

What is the best water filter for Howard Beach? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.

Howard Beach vs. New York Average

Understanding how Howard Beach 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 Howard Beach.

ZIP Codes in Howard Beach

Howard Beach spans 1 ZIP code. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Howard Beach tap water safe to drink?

Howard Beach's water receives a grade of D (40/100). 0 health-based violations have been recorded. Independent water testing and filtration are recommended.

What contaminants are found in Howard Beach water?

Howard Beach water systems have zero recorded violations. While this is excellent, the EPA recommends annual testing as contaminants can enter your water through home plumbing.

How many water violations does Howard Beach have?

Howard Beach has 0 total EPA violations across 1 water system. 0 of 1 ZIP codes have at least one violation.

How many water systems serve Howard Beach?

Howard Beach is served by 1 public water system supplying drinking water across 1 ZIP codes. Water quality can vary between systems — check your specific ZIP code for localized data.

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