Water Quality in Saranac Lake, NY: 1 Violation — Grade A
Grade A · Score 94/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Saranac Lake's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Water systems in Saranac Lake, NY have accumulated 1 EPA violation across the full compliance record — a dataset that captures reportable health-based exceedances, monitoring lapses, and enforcement actions filed with the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Saranac Lake
Water quality varies across Saranac Lake's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12983 | A | 94 | 1 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Saranac Lake, New York receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 94 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Saranac Lake have accumulated 1 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 5,435 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Saranac Lake's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Saranac Lake water systems is 0.0011 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 82% of homes built before 1986, Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 5,435 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 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saranac Lake. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Saranac Lake
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Saranac Lake. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2023-02-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-01-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2023-02-27.
Saranac Lake vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Saranac Lake's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saranac Lake | A | 1 | 2 | 5,435 |
| Barton | C | 2 | 4 | 5,460 |
| Kanona | D | 0 | 1 | 5,400 |
| Esopus | C | 28 | 5 | 5,485 |
Common Questions About Saranac Lake Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Saranac Lake, New York:
Is Saranac Lake water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Saranac Lake's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Saranac Lake tap water? Saranac Lake's water receives a grade of A (94/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Saranac Lake? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Saranac Lake vs. New York Average
Understanding how Saranac Lake 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 Saranac Lake.
ZIP Codes in Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 12983. 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.