Water Quality in Watervliet, NY: 6 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 59/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Watervliet'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
Federal EPA data for Watervliet, NY shows 6 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Watervliet
Water quality varies across Watervliet's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12189 | C | 59 | 6 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Watervliet.
Water Quality Overview
Watervliet, New York receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 59 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Watervliet have accumulated 6 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 9,889 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Watervliet'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 Watervliet water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Watervliet 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
Watervliet 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 Watervliet
Watervliet is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 9,889 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Watervliet. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Watervliet
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 Watervliet Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Watervliet's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 4 mg/L | 1 | 1 | Yes |
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 Watervliet:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 3 in 2022 to 1 in 2023, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Watervliet. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-05-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-29 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-12-29 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-12-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-08-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-08-15 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-08-15 | State Order Extension |
| 2022-03-02 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-03-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2022-03-02 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-05-12.
Watervliet vs. Nearby New York Cities
How Watervliet's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watervliet | C | 6 | 1 | 9,889 |
| Livonia Center | D | 0 | 1 | 9,892 |
| South Lima | D | 0 | 1 | 9,892 |
| Livonia | C | 0 | 2 | 9,952 |
Common Questions About Watervliet Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Watervliet, New York:
Is Watervliet water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Watervliet's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Watervliet tap water? Watervliet's water receives a grade of C (59/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Watervliet? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Watervliet vs. New York Average
Understanding how Watervliet 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 Watervliet.
ZIP Codes in Watervliet
Watervliet spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 12189. 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.