Wantagh, NY: High Radon Risk — 30/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Monitoring data across Wantagh reveals a persistent pattern of below-average compliance in NY — multiple service areas carry documented health violations, and the data has shown little overall improvement over recent EPA reporting cycles.
How Wantagh Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Wantagh Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 93% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 10.69.
Water Systems Serving Wantagh
Wantagh, NY is covered by 3 major water utilities out of 5 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Wantagh, New York (population ~31,497), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 291,775 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Wantagh — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Wantagh: F (30/100)
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
Wantagh water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Wantagh
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11793 | F | Liberty Utilities New York - Merrick | 135,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Wantagh
- 11793 [F]
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.
CDC Health Data for Wantagh
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 Old Is Wantagh's Housing Stock?
With 93% 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
When a city's housing median build year is 1954, as in Wantagh, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Wantagh 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.
Wantagh: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Wantagh is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Wantagh are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,000 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 75% above the New York average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Wantagh
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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 93% of the Wantagh inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Wantagh
What does a high NFIP claim count mean for water quality in Wantagh? The 1024 documented claims reflect a flood history frequent enough that those infrastructure degradation pathways — treatment overload, well infiltration, backflow — have almost certainly been periodically activated. That record makes flood timing a relevant factor in local water quality assessment, particularly in the 100% of ZIP codes FEMA has designated as flood zones.
Wantagh has a significant flood history with 1,024 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $34,894 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$3,000</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 Wantagh
- 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 93% 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 Wantagh, NY