Water Quality in West Hempstead, NY: 1 Violation - Grade A
Grade A · Score 90/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
West Hempstead's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, West Hempstead, NY shows 1 water violation on file - findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in West Hempstead
West Hempstead is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11552 | A | 90 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving West Hempstead.
Water Quality Overview
West Hempstead, New York receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 90 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving West Hempstead have accumulated 1 EPA violation (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP code serving approximately 26,053 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. West Hempstead's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across West Hempstead water systems is 0.0011 mg/L - within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 94% of homes built before 1986, West Hempstead 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.
Water Systems Serving West Hempstead
West Hempstead is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 26,053 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 West Hempstead. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in West Hempstead
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 West Hempstead:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2023 to 2 in 2024. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving West Hempstead. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-16 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-05-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-05-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-01-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-18.
West Hempstead vs. Nearby New York Cities
How West Hempstead's water quality compares to similar cities in New York:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hempstead | A | 1 | 4 | 26,053 |
| Selden | D | 0 | 2 | 25,986 |
| Mahopac | C | 3 | 8 | 26,137 |
| Adams Basin | C | 0 | 1 | 25,918 |
Common Questions About West Hempstead Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in West Hempstead, New York:
Is West Hempstead water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. West Hempstead's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink West Hempstead tap water? West Hempstead's water receives a grade of A (90/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for West Hempstead? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
West Hempstead vs. New York Average
Understanding how West Hempstead 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 West Hempstead.
ZIP Codes in West Hempstead
West Hempstead spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 11552. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe - Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.