Water Quality in Old Forge, NY: 10 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 87/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Old Forge's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Drinking water compliance data for Old Forge, NY reflects 10 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Old Forge
Water quality varies across Old Forge's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13420 | A | 87 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Old Forge, New York receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 87 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Old Forge have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,134 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Old Forge's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Old Forge water systems is 0.0032 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 67% of homes built before 1986, Old Forge 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 Old Forge
Old Forge is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,134 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 Old Forge. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Old Forge
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 Old Forge Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Old Forge's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Old Forge. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-07-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-16 | EPA Formal Action |
| 2024-12-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-05-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-04-03 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-04-03 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-07-04.
Old Forge vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Old Forge's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Forge | A | 10 | 4 | 2,134 |
| Fancher | D | 0 | 1 | 2,150 |
| Victory Mills | B | 19 | 5 | 2,114 |
| Spencertown | D | 0 | 1 | 2,156 |
Common Questions About Old Forge Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Old Forge, New York:
Is Old Forge water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Old Forge's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Old Forge tap water? Old Forge's water receives a grade of A (87/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Old Forge? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Old Forge vs. New York Average
Understanding how Old Forge 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 Old Forge.
ZIP Codes in Old Forge
Old Forge spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13420. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.