Selkirk, NY: 1 Health Violation — 56/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Selkirk shows moderate tap water quality for NY — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Selkirk Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Selkirk Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 21 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,100 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.17.
Selkirk's Water Providers
Residential addresses in Selkirk, NY are served by 3 primary water providers out of 5 systems in federal records. Each system maintains separate infrastructure and files its own EPA compliance reports, so service conditions are not uniform across the city.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Selkirk, New York (population ~6,221), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 35,692 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Selkirk: C (56/100)
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
Selkirk water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Selkirk
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 10 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2428 | Other | 8 | 1 |
| Lead | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Chlorate | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12158 | C | 21 | 1 | Bethlehem Water District No 1 |
All ZIP Codes in Selkirk
- 12158 [C] — 21 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.
Selkirk 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 Selkirk's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Selkirk Infrastructure Age
With 57% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Selkirk is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1989 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Selkirk 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 Selkirk
Property equity in Selkirk runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Selkirk are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,350–$3,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 17% below the New York average.
Selkirk: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 57% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Selkirk.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Selkirk: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood exposure in Selkirk is meaningful by NFIP measures — 19 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Selkirk has a moderate flood history with 19 FEMA claims averaging $33,745 per payout. 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>$2,100</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.
What You Can Do in Selkirk
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Selkirk's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 57% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Selkirk, NY