Water Quality in Syracuse, NY: 504 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 38/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Syracuse's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Syracuse, NY document 504 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality Map: Syracuse, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Syracuse
Water quality varies across Syracuse's 28 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13218 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13220 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13225 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13235 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13244 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13250 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13251 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13252 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13261 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13290 | F | 32 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13204 | F | 38 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13206 | F | 38 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13214 | F | 38 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13219 | F | 38 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
| 13224 | F | 38 | 18 | 13 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Syracuse.
Water Quality Overview
Syracuse, New York receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 38 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Syracuse have accumulated 504 EPA violations, including 364 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 28 ZIP codes serving approximately 542,280 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Syracuse's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Syracuse water systems is 0.0070 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 88% of homes built before 1986, Syracuse has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Syracuse is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Syracuse
Syracuse is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 542,280 people across 28 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 280 enforcement actions against water systems serving Syracuse. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Syracuse
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Syracuse Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Syracuse's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 252 | 28 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 140 | 28 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 28 | 28 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Syracuse:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 28 | 28 |
| 2022 | 112 | 112 |
| 2023 | 168 | 168 |
| 2024 | 56 | 56 |
Violations have increased from 28 in 2021 to 56 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Syracuse. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-02-27 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-01 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-01 | State Formal Action |
| 2024-07-31 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-07-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-03-20 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-02-27.
Syracuse vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Syracuse's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | F | 504 | 5 | 542,280 |
| East Rochester | D | 0 | 1 | 496,753 |
| Henrietta | D | 0 | 1 | 496,753 |
| North Greece | D | 0 | 1 | 496,753 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Syracuse
Water quality varies across Syracuse's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13218 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13220 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13225 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13235 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13244 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13250 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13251 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13252 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13261 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13290 | 32 | F | 18 | 13 |
| 13221 | 43 | D | 18 | 13 |
| 13217 | 43 | D | 18 | 13 |
| 13215 | 43 | D | 18 | 13 |
| 13212 | 43 | D | 18 | 13 |
| 13211 | 43 | D | 18 | 13 |
Common Questions About Syracuse Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Syracuse, New York:
Is Syracuse water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Syracuse's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Syracuse tap water? Syracuse's water receives a grade of F (38/100). There are 364 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Syracuse? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Syracuse vs. New York Average
Understanding how Syracuse compares to the broader New York average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Syracuse.
ZIP Codes in Syracuse
Syracuse spans 28 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 13201. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
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
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.