Niagara Falls, NY Water Safety: 78/100 (2026)
5 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Based on current monitoring, Niagara Falls holds an above-average drinking water safety record for NY — violations are infrequent and typically minor when they do appear.
How Niagara Falls Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Niagara Falls, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Distribution of water safety grades across Niagara Falls.
Niagara Falls Water: The Quick Version
- Average lead level: 0.0059 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 92% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,360 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.71 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Niagara Falls
5 water systems are tracked federally in Niagara Falls, NY. The top 3 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 5 ZIP codes in Niagara Falls, New York, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 63,265 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Niagara Falls — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Niagara Falls: B (78/100)
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
Niagara Falls water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0059 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 5 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14301 | B | Niagara Falls Water Board | 50,193 |
| 14302 | B | Niagara Falls Water Board | 50,193 |
| 14303 | B | Niagara Falls Water Board | 50,193 |
| 14304 | B | Niagara Falls Water Board | 50,193 |
| 14305 | B | Niagara Falls Water Board | 50,193 |
All ZIP Codes in Niagara Falls
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 Niagara Falls
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 Niagara Falls's Housing Stock?
With 92% 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
Niagara Falls's housing stock is predominantly older, with a median build year of 1933 that reflects decades of construction before federal plumbing standards were tightened. The 1986 ban on lead solder and the pre-1970 era of lead service lines are both relevant benchmarks here — a significant share of the residential inventory predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating an elevated baseline for plumbing-related lead risk that aggregate water quality data may not fully reflect at the household level.
Over half of homes in Niagara Falls 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.
Niagara Falls: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Homeowners in Niagara Falls are working with a moderate equity share for documented remediation — the commitment deserves a line in the household budget, not dismissal.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Niagara Falls. The estimated $640–$2,240 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 70% below the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Niagara Falls
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.
92% of Niagara Falls housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Niagara Falls
Flood exposure in Niagara Falls is meaningful by NFIP measures — 103 claims on record and 80% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Niagara Falls has a moderate flood history with 103 FEMA claims averaging $2,599 per payout. 80% 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>$1,360</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 Niagara Falls, NY