South Bethlehem, NY Water Safety: 66/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of South Bethlehem meets baseline drinking water standards, some NY-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How South Bethlehem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
South Bethlehem Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- CDC health risk index: 11.17.
Water Systems Serving South Bethlehem
Across most of South Bethlehem, NY, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Bethlehem, New York (population ~41), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 66 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Bethlehem — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Bethlehem: C (66/100)
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
South Bethlehem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Bethlehem
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12161 | C | VALLEY ESTATES | 66 |
All ZIP Codes in South Bethlehem
- 12161 [C]
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.
CDC Health Data for South Bethlehem
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
How Old Is South Bethlehem's Housing Stock?
With 100% 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
South Bethlehem's housing stock is predominantly older, with a median build year of 1968 that reflects decades of construction before federal plumbing standards were tightened. The 1986 ban on lead solder and the pre-1970 era of lead service lines are both relevant benchmarks here — a significant share of the residential inventory predates one or both of those cutoffs, creating an elevated baseline for plumbing-related lead risk that aggregate water quality data may not fully reflect at the household level.
Over half of homes in South Bethlehem 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.
Protecting Children from Lead in South Bethlehem
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in South Bethlehem — 100% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in South Bethlehem
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for South Bethlehem, NY