South Salem, NY: 1 Health Violation — 87/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although water quality varies across any metro, South Salem's systems collectively post above-average compliance scores for NY — and documented violations are few.
How South Salem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for South Salem Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0059 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 76% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.47.
South Salem's Water Providers
South Salem, NY draws its residential water from 3 separate providers among the 5 federally tracked systems. Each operates independently, with its own infrastructure, rate structure, and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in South Salem, New York, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 7,314 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for South Salem: A (87/100)
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 Salem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0059 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)
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chloroform | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2806 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10590 | A | 3 | 1 | Oakridge Water District |
All ZIP Codes in South Salem
- 10590 [A] — 3 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.
South Salem 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 South Salem's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
South Salem Infrastructure Age
With 76% 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
For residents trying to assess tap water risk in South Salem, the median build year of 1979 is the starting context. It signals that a majority of homes were constructed before 1986 — the year federal rules prohibited lead solder in new plumbing — and that a significant share likely predates 1970, when lead pipes were still a common choice for residential service connections. Neither risk tier is rare in this housing inventory.
Over half of homes in South Salem 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 South Salem
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in South Salem, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in South Salem are relatively low compared to home values. The $950–$2,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 101% above the New York average.
South Salem: 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 76% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in South Salem.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
South Salem: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
FEMA data shows 100% of South Salem's ZIP codes mapped into designated flood zones, paired with an NFIP record of 14 claims. That footprint places local flood exposure in the range where it warrants attention without rising to high-severity planning territory.
South Salem has a moderate flood history with 14 FEMA claims averaging $8,848 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>$1,500</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 South Salem, NY