Middle Island, NY Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike many cities its size in NY, Middle Island keeps health-based violation rates low — systems here score at or above the state average for tap water safety, with no systemic concerns flagged in the current data set.
How Middle Island Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Middle Island Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 59% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.13.
Middle Island's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Middle Island, NY's residential water connections out of 2 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 1 ZIP code in Middle Island, New York (population ~13,383), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 1,103,500 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Middle Island — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Middle Island: B (73/100)
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
Middle Island water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Middle Island
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11953 | B | SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY | 1,100,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Middle Island
- 11953 [B]
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.
Middle Island 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
Middle Island Infrastructure Age
With 59% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1970, as in Middle Island, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Middle Island 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Middle Island
Across Middle Island, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Middle Island are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,200–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 1% below the New York average.
Middle Island: 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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 59% pre-rule share in Middle Island keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Middle Island: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Middle Island falls in moderate-exposure territory — 7 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Middle Island has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $153,540 per payout. 100% 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>$3,100</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Middle Island, NY