Water Quality in North Salem, NY: 33 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 65/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North Salem's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for North Salem, NY surfaces 33 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North Salem
Water quality varies across North Salem's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10560 | C | 65 | 33 | 20 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North Salem.
Water Quality Overview
North Salem, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 65 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving North Salem have accumulated 33 EPA violations, including 20 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,745 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. North Salem's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across North Salem water systems is 0.0011 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, North Salem 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.
Water Systems Serving North Salem
North Salem is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,745 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Salem. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North Salem
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 North Salem Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North Salem's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroform | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 13 | 1 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North Salem:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | 8 |
| 2025 | 7 | 7 |
Violations have decreased from 8 in 2024 to 7 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving North Salem. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-03 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-07 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-07 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-23.
North Salem vs. Nearby New York Cities
How North Salem's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Salem | C | 33 | 5 | 1,745 |
| Craryville | D | 0 | 1 | 1,750 |
| Philmont | C | 4 | 1 | 1,750 |
| East Randolph | D | 0 | 1 | 1,738 |
Common Questions About North Salem Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North Salem, New York:
Is North Salem water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North Salem's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North Salem tap water? North Salem's water receives a grade of C (65/100). There are 20 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for North Salem? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North Salem vs. New York Average
Understanding how North Salem 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 North Salem.
ZIP Codes in North Salem
North Salem spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 10560. 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.