Water Quality in Richfield Springs, NY: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Richfield Springs'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
Richfield Springs, NY has 5 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richfield Springs
Water quality varies across Richfield Springs's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13439 | C | 63 | 5 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Richfield Springs.
Water Quality Overview
Richfield Springs, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Richfield Springs have accumulated 5 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,200 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Richfield Springs'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 Richfield Springs water systems is 0.0030 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 72% of homes built before 1986, Richfield Springs 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.
Radon Risk
Richfield Springs is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Richfield Springs
Richfield Springs is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,200 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 Richfield Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Richfield Springs
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 Richfield Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Richfield Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
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 Richfield Springs:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2022 to 1 in 2023, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richfield Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-01-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-01-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-01-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-01-01 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-11-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-04-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-04-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-04-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-04-13 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-01-10.
Richfield Springs vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Richfield Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richfield Springs | C | 5 | 1 | 1,200 |
| Copenhagen | B | 7 | 2 | 1,200 |
| Jordanville | D | 0 | 1 | 1,200 |
| Candor | C | 2 | 5 | 1,194 |
Common Questions About Richfield Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Richfield Springs, New York:
Is Richfield Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Richfield Springs's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richfield Springs tap water? Richfield Springs's water receives a grade of C (63/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Richfield Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Richfield Springs vs. New York Average
Understanding how Richfield Springs 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 Richfield Springs.
ZIP Codes in Richfield Springs
Richfield Springs spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13439. 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.