Ithaca, NY: 4 Health Violations — 65/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Water monitoring across Ithaca paints a mid-range picture within NY — solid compliance in some service zones, documented concerns in others. Most violations on record are concentrated in specific areas, and the overall grade has held in the middle tier without major shifts in recent monitoring cycles.
How Ithaca Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
What You Should Know About Ithaca Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 24 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0024 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,375 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 9.67.
Who Supplies Your Water in Ithaca
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Ithaca, NY's residential water connections out of 7 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Ithaca, New York, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 68,789 people.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Ithaca: C (65/100)
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
Ithaca water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0024 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Contaminant 2806 | Other | 5 | 4 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 4 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14850 | C | 6 | 1 | Cornell University |
| 14851 | C | 6 | 1 | Cornell University |
| 14852 | C | 6 | 1 | Cornell University |
| 14853 | C | 6 | 1 | Cornell University |
All ZIP Codes in Ithaca
- 14850 [C] — 6 violations ⚠
- 14851 [C] — 6 violations ⚠
- 14852 [C] — 6 violations ⚠
- 14853 [C] — 6 violations ⚠
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.
Health Outcomes in Ithaca
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
Top Contaminants in Ithaca Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Ithaca Homeowners
Given current Ithaca valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Ithaca are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,525–$3,375 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% below the New York average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Ithaca
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.
Lead risk in Ithaca appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Ithaca
Flood risk in Ithaca occupies the middle ground: 139 NFIP claims and 25% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Ithaca has a moderate flood history with 139 FEMA claims averaging $2,047 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>$2,375</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 Ithaca
- 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. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Ithaca'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 Ithaca, NY