Water Quality in Vestal, NY: No Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Vestal's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Vestal in NY has never appeared on an EPA enforcement list — zero violations, zero monitoring failures, zero health-based citations across all 5 public water systems across all available federal records.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Vestal
Water quality varies across Vestal's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13850 | C | 55 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 13851 | C | 66 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Vestal.
Water Quality Overview
Vestal, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving Vestal. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Vestal's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Vestal water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 83% of homes built before 1986, Vestal 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
Vestal 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 Vestal
Vestal is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 22,700 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Vestal. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Vestal
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Vestal:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 | 4 |
| 2022 | 10 | 10 |
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have decreased from 4 in 2021 to 2 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Vestal. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-12-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-11-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-05-29 | State Order Action |
| 2023-03-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-02-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-06.
Vestal vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Vestal's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vestal | C | 0 | 5 | 22,700 |
| Queensbury | B | 30 | 5 | 22,205 |
| Bible School Park | D | 0 | 1 | 22,200 |
| Wappingers Falls | C | 56 | 5 | 22,186 |
Common Questions About Vestal Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Vestal, New York:
Is Vestal water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Vestal's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Vestal tap water? Vestal's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Vestal? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Vestal vs. New York Average
Understanding how Vestal 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 Vestal.
ZIP Codes in Vestal
Vestal spans 2 ZIP codes. 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.