Lead · New York

Lead in New York Drinking Water — 1,233 ZIPs Tested

EPA data analysis for lead in New York drinking water systems

ZipCheckup tracks Lead in New York drinking water: 1,233 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 144 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.

1,233
ZIPs with Detections
144
ZIPs with Violations
11.2%
Violation Rate
15 ppb (action level)
EPA Limit
High
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Lead Contamination in New York

ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,287 ZIP codes in New York for lead contamination. 1,233 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 144 have EPA violations on record.

The violation rate for lead in New York is 11.2% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.

EPA Standard for Lead

The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in New York

These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in New York based on CCR reports and EPA data:

Lowest Lead Levels in New York

These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in New York:

Health Effects of Lead

Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.

How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water

The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.

Check Your ZIP Code

Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in New York.

Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in New York

Ranked by highest lead detection level.

Rank ZIP Code City Level Detected EPA Limit Status
1 12569 Pleasant Valley 49 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
2 14052 East Aurora 42 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
3 14139 South Wales 42 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
4 13357 Ilion 36 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
5 13407 Mohawk 36 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
6 12496 Windham 26 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
7 13340 Frankfort 19 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
8 13350 Herkimer 19 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
9 12583 Tivoli 18 ppb 15 ppb Exceeds
10 10541 Mahopac 15 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
11 12010 Amsterdam 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
12 13111 Martville 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
13 13156 Sterling 14 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
14 10509 Brewster 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
15 12159 Slingerlands 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
16 12202 Albany 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
17 12203 Albany 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
18 12204 Albany 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
19 12205 Albany 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit
20 12206 Albany 13 ppb 15 ppb Within Limit

Lowest Lead Levels in New York

ZIP Code City Level Detected
14905 Elmira 1 ppb
14904 Elmira 1 ppb
14901 Elmira 1 ppb
14807 Arkport 1 ppb
14787 Westfield 1 ppb
14755 Little Valley 1 ppb
14754 Little Genesee 1 ppb
14731 Ellicottville 1 ppb
14719 Cattaraugus 1 ppb
14715 Bolivar 1 ppb

Cities with Lead Data in New York

405 cities in New York have lead testing data available.

+ 385 more cities

New York Water Quality Overview: See statewide water quality rankings on the New York water quality page.
Learn more about Lead: Read the full guide on Lead in drinking water.
Home → Contaminants → Lead → New York

How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Lead in New York Drinking Water — 1,233 ZIPs Tested. https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/new-york/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-contaminants-lead-new-york,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Lead in New York Drinking Water — 1,233 ZIPs Tested}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/contaminants/lead/new-york/}
}

Page version: August 2026.

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