Newburgh, NY: 64 Violations — 53/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Newburgh, EPA compliance records fall well below NY averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Newburgh Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Newburgh Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 64 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.77.
Water Systems Serving Newburgh
3 independent water providers serve Newburgh, NY — 7 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 4 ZIP codes in Newburgh, New York, covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 54,996 people.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Newburgh: D (53/100)
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
Newburgh water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0015 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 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | 4 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 10 | 4 |
| Contaminant 1019 | Other | 5 | 4 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 5 | 4 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12550 | D | 16 | 0 | Newburgh City |
| 12551 | C | 16 | 0 | Newburgh City |
| 12552 | C | 16 | 0 | Newburgh City |
| 12555 | D | 16 | 0 | Newburgh City |
All ZIP Codes in Newburgh
- 12550 [D] — 16 violations
- 12551 [C] — 16 violations
- 12552 [C] — 16 violations
- 12555 [D] — 16 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.
CDC Health Data for Newburgh
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
Key Contaminants Detected in Newburgh
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Newburgh: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Newburgh, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Newburgh are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,225 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% below the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Newburgh
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 Newburgh 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Newburgh
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Newburgh shows a moderate flood record — 110 claims and 75% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Newburgh has a moderate flood history with 110 FEMA claims averaging $6,951 per payout. 75% 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>$2,400</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 Newburgh
- 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 1 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Newburgh's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Newburgh, NY