Lead in Albany, NY Drinking Water
Lead data for Albany, New York · 109,867 residents · 50 ZIP codes
Routine testing in Albany, New York turned up Lead — samples from the public supply came back positive, placing this contaminant on the list of substances residents here have a concrete reason to look into.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
Lead in Albany Tap Water
Lead has been detected in Albany, New York drinking water at a maximum level of 16 ppb — 1.07x the EPA action level.
This analysis covers 109,867 residents across 50 ZIP codes in Albany.
Albany's overall water quality grade is F (21/100).
Is Lead in Albany Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
Lead Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12201 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12202 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12203 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12204 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12205 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12206 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12207 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12208 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12209 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12210 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12211 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12212 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12214 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12220 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12222 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12223 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12224 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12225 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12226 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12227 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12228 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12229 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12230 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12231 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| 12232 | 16 ppb | 15 ppb (action level) | Exceeds limit |
| ...25 more ZIP codes |
Average lead level across Albany: 16 ppb
Health Effects of Lead
- Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
- Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
- High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
- Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).
How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water
- Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
- Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
- Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
- Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight
What to Do About Lead in Albany Water
- Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
- Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
- Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
- Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.