Vestal, NY: High Radon Risk — 61/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Vestal, water safety data for NY reveals moderate quality — federal standards are generally met, but documented exceptions exist in specific service areas.
How Vestal Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Vestal Residents
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,350 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 12.91 — above typical levels.
Vestal's Water Providers
Water service in Vestal, NY is split across 3 utilities out of 5 tracked federally, each operating its own infrastructure and compliance record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Vestal, New York, covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 23,675 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Vestal — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Vestal: C (61/100)
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
Vestal water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13850 | C | Vestal Consolidated W.d. #1 | 22,200 |
| 13851 | C | Vestal Consolidated W.d. #1 | 22,200 |
All ZIP Codes in Vestal
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.
Vestal 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
How Remediation Costs Compare in Vestal
Homeowners in Vestal are working with a moderate equity share for documented remediation — the commitment deserves a line in the household budget, not dismissal.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Vestal. The estimated $1,550–$3,150 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 49% below the New York average.
Vestal: 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.
Lead risk in Vestal appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Vestal: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Vestal's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 489 claims and FEMA maps place 50% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Vestal has a moderate flood history with 489 FEMA claims averaging $49,313 per payout. 50% 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>$2,350</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 Vestal
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Vestal, NY