Scarsdale, NY Water Safety: 80/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in NY, Scarsdale scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Scarsdale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Scarsdale Residents
- Average lead level: 0.0029 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 88% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.47.
Scarsdale's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Scarsdale, NY — 4 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Scarsdale, New York (population ~40,612), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 439,579 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Scarsdale — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Scarsdale: B (80/100)
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
Scarsdale water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0029 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)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10583 | B | Scarsdale Water Department | 21,649 |
All ZIP Codes in Scarsdale
- 10583 [B]
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.
Scarsdale 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
Scarsdale Infrastructure Age
With 88% 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
Because the majority of Scarsdale's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1957 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Scarsdale 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 Scarsdale
In Scarsdale, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Scarsdale are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 212% above the New York average.
Scarsdale: 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 Scarsdale, where 88% 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.
Scarsdale: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Unlike communities where NFIP data shows minimal flood history, Scarsdale's record documents 713 claims and 100% of ZIP codes inside FEMA flood zones — a combination that moves flood-related water quality risk from the background into the foreground of any complete local water assessment. Flooding can overwhelm treatment capacity, contaminate wells, and trigger distribution backflow; at this level of exposure, those mechanisms have likely been activated during significant flood events.
Scarsdale has a significant flood history with 713 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $14,160 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$1,200</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 Scarsdale, NY