Montrose, NY Water Safety: 73/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in NY, Montrose scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Montrose Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Montrose Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 88% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.47.
Water Systems Serving Montrose
2 water utilities share the residential service territory in Montrose, NY — out of 2 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Montrose, New York (population ~4,302), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 30,569 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Montrose — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Montrose: 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
Montrose water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Montrose
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10548 | B | BUCHANAN VILLAGE | 2,200 |
All ZIP Codes in Montrose
- 10548 [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.
CDC Health Data for Montrose
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
How Old Is Montrose's Housing Stock?
With 88% 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
The lead that enters tap water in older homes often comes not from the municipal supply but from the home's own plumbing — from solder used in copper joints before the 1986 federal ban, or from lead pipes installed before 1970. In Montrose, where the median build year is 1951, these older materials are widespread. More than half the residential stock predates the 1986 solder ban, and a significant fraction predates 1970 as well. For residents in those homes, the city-wide water quality picture is a less relevant frame than the specific materials inside their own walls and under their own street.
Over half of homes in Montrose 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.
Montrose: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Placing remediation in the context of Montrose's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.
Remediation costs in Montrose are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 23% above the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Montrose
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.
Locally, 88% of Montrose homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Montrose
Although Montrose's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 9 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Montrose has a moderate flood history with 9 FEMA claims averaging $6,890 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>$1,200</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 Montrose, NY