Old Forge, NY: 10 Violations — 87/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current NY EPA data, Old Forge's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Old Forge Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Old Forge Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 10 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0032 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 67% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,800 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.83 — above typical levels.
Old Forge's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Old Forge, NY — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Old Forge, New York (population ~890), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 2,134 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Old Forge: A (87/100)
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
Old Forge water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0032 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2428 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 4002 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13420 | A | 10 | 0 | Old Forge Water District |
All ZIP Codes in Old Forge
- 13420 [A] — 10 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.
Old Forge Community Health Snapshot
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
What's in Old Forge's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Old Forge Infrastructure Age
With 67% 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
When more than half a city's housing predates the 1986 federal ban on lead solder, plumbing-era lead risk becomes a citywide concern rather than an exception. Old Forge's median build year of 1960 places it squarely in that category.
Over half of homes in Old Forge 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Old Forge
In Old Forge, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Old Forge are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,200–$2,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% below the New York average.
Old Forge: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Routinely in Old Forge, where 67% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Old Forge: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Old Forge shows a moderate flood record — 1 claim and 100% 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.
Old Forge has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 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>$1,800</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 Old Forge, NY