South Colton, NY Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, South Colton's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within NY — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How South Colton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About South Colton Water
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 14.24 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in South Colton
Because residential water in South Colton, NY flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Colton, New York (population ~421), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 850 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in South Colton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Colton: D (53/100)
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 Colton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for South Colton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13687 | D | COLTON WATER DISTRICT | 850 |
All ZIP Codes in South Colton
- 13687 [D]
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.
Health Outcomes in South Colton
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
Housing & Infrastructure in South Colton
With 74% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, South Colton's housing stock carries a median build year of 1963. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in South Colton 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for South Colton Homeowners
What does remediation cost in financial context for South Colton homeowners? Proportionally very little — the equity share here is low, and addressing documented issues is a manageable planning question rather than a material financial burden.
Remediation costs in South Colton are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 54% below the New York average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in South Colton
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 South Colton, where 74% 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.
What You Can Do in South Colton
- 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 74% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for South Colton, NY