Water Quality in New York, NY: 636 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 50/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
New York's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Looking at EPA compliance data for New York, NY, the record shows 636 violations — findings that span health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement events tied to local utilities in the SDWIS database.
Water Quality Map: New York, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New York
Water quality varies across New York's 159 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10200 | D | 48 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10032 | C | 56 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10033 | C | 68 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10004 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10009 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10010 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10011 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10013 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10014 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10016 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10021 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10029 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10035 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10037 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
| 10038 | B | 71 | 4 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New York, New York receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 50 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving New York have accumulated 636 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 159 ZIP codes serving approximately 8,271,405 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. New York'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across New York water systems is 0.0100 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, New York 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
New York 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 New York
New York is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 8,271,405 people across 159 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 1590 enforcement actions against water systems serving New York. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New York
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 New York Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New York's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 159 | 159 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 159 | 159 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving New York. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-05-20 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-04-18 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-04-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-17 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-01-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-11-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-11-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-09-30 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-09-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-02-24 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-05-20.
New York vs. Nearby New York Cities
How New York's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | D | 636 | 4 | 8,271,405 |
| Long Island City | D | 0 | 2 | 8,271,285 |
| Astoria | D | 0 | 2 | 8,271,143 |
| Woodside | D | 0 | 1 | 8,271,000 |
Recommended Water Filters for New York
Based on contaminants detected in New York's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New York
Water quality varies across New York's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10200 | 48 | D | 4 | 0 |
| 10032 | 56 | C | 4 | 0 |
| 10033 | 68 | C | 4 | 0 |
| 10004 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10009 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10010 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10011 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10013 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10014 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10016 | 71 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10292 | 81 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10286 | 81 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10285 | 81 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10282 | 81 | B | 4 | 0 |
| 10281 | 81 | B | 4 | 0 |
Water quality scores in New York range from 48 to 81 — a spread of 33 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About New York Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New York, New York:
Is New York water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New York's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New York tap water? New York's water receives a grade of D (50/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for New York? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New York vs. New York Average
Understanding how New York 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 New York.
ZIP Codes in New York
New York spans 159 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 10001. 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.