Ulster County Water Quality: 406 Violations (NY)
81 water systems · 55 ZIP codes · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-04
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO Last verified: 2026-06-04
Violation Trend
EPA violations across water systems in Ulster County.
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Find the Right Filter →Water Quality Overview
Ulster County has 81 community water systems serving approximately 253,727 people across 55 ZIP codes. These systems have accumulated 406 EPA violations, including 44 health-based violations.
Health-based violations account for 11% of all violations in Ulster County. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose direct risks to human health.
Violation Breakdown
| Violation Type | Count | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Health-based | 44 | 10.8% |
| Monitoring/Reporting | 362 | 89.2% |
| Total | 406 | 100% |
Health-based violations indicate contaminant levels exceeding EPA Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). Monitoring violations indicate failures to test or report.
Cities with Most Violations
| Rank | City | Violations | Health-Based | ZIP Codes | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kingston | 60 | 14 | 2 | 66,941 |
| 2 | Rosendale | 43 | 1 | 1 | 3,064 |
| 3 | Tillson | 42 | 1 | 1 | 1,173 |
| 4 | Kerhonkson | 35 | 0 | 1 | 381 |
| 5 | Milton | 29 | 6 | 1 | 9,200 |
| 6 | Esopus | 28 | 1 | 1 | 5,485 |
| 7 | West Park | 28 | 1 | 1 | 470 |
| 8 | Pine Bush | 22 | 9 | 1 | 9,000 |
| 9 | Highland | 21 | 3 | 1 | 5,339 |
| 10 | Wawarsing | 13 | 0 | 1 | 5,723 |
Violation Trend
Year-by-year EPA violations across water systems in Ulster County:
| Year | Total | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 7 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 12 | 12 |
| 2025 | 7 | 7 |
Most Common Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 40 | 16 | Yes |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 26 | 15 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 17 | 7 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 10 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 12 | 2 | Yes |
| Lead | Inorganic | 7 | 7 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 4 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 2 | Yes |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 | No |
Understanding Water Quality Scores
Each ZIP code in Ulster County receives a safety score from 0-100 based on EPA compliance data. Scores factor in the number and severity of violations, with health-based violations weighted more heavily than monitoring failures. Resolved violations (where the system returned to compliance) receive reduced weight in the scoring.
The county-level grade (D) represents the average across all 55 ZIP codes. Individual ZIP codes may vary significantly — a county with a B grade may contain both A-rated and D-rated areas.
Water Systems in Ulster County
Ulster County is served by 81 community water systems, averaging 1.5 systems per ZIP code. Each system is independently regulated and tested by the EPA. Larger systems serving more people typically have more extensive monitoring requirements.
Water systems in Ulster County source water from a mix of surface water (rivers, reservoirs) and groundwater (wells, aquifers). Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be detected.
How to Check Your Water in Ulster County
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup for detailed water system data including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — every water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report
Get a home test — certified kits ($20-$50) or professional lab tests ($150-$400) can detect contaminants not covered by routine testing
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants found in your area
Check for lead — homes built before 1986 should test for lead regardless of utility compliance
EPA Enforcement
The EPA and state regulators have taken 358 enforcement actions against water systems in Ulster County. Enforcement actions range from compliance assistance and administrative orders to formal penalties. Systems under enforcement are required to remediate violations and may face ongoing monitoring requirements.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO
Updated daily.
Water Quality Map: Ulster County, NY
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Ulster County
Water quality varies across Ulster County's 55 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | City | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12472 | Rosendale | C | 61 | 43 | 1 | View → |
| 12486 | Tillson | C | 66 | 42 | 1 | View → |
| 12446 | Kerhonkson | F | 38 | 35 | 0 | View → |
| 12402 | Kingston | F | 26 | 30 | 7 | View → |
| 12401 | Kingston | F | 25 | 30 | 7 | View → |
| 12547 | Milton | C | 59 | 29 | 6 | View → |
| 12429 | Esopus | C | 61 | 28 | 1 | View → |
| 12493 | West Park | C | 57 | 28 | 1 | View → |
| 12566 | Pine Bush | F | 32 | 22 | 9 | View → |
| 12528 | Highland | D | 54 | 21 | 3 | View → |
| 12489 | Wawarsing | C | 62 | 13 | 0 | View → |
| 12443 | Hurley | C | 61 | 13 | 1 | View → |
| 12568 | Plattekill | C | 58 | 13 | 0 | View → |
| 12480 | Shandaken | C | 61 | 11 | 1 | View → |
| 12525 | Gardiner | C | 57 | 10 | 2 | View → |
| 12498 | Woodstock | D | 50 | 9 | 0 | View → |
| 12477 | Saugerties | C | 56 | 8 | 1 | View → |
| 12725 | Claryville | C | 62 | 6 | 0 | View → |
| 12419 | Cottekill | C | 61 | 6 | 1 | View → |
| 12561 | New Paltz | C | 59 | 5 | 1 | View → |
What are EPA health violations?
Health-based violations mean a contaminant was detected above the EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) — the legal limit designed to protect human health. Ulster County has 44 such violations. Not all violations cause illness, but repeated exceedances increase risk, especially for children and immunocompromised individuals.
What is a water quality grade?
ZipCheckup grades water systems from A to F based on EPA violation history, contaminant levels, and system compliance. Grade A means few or no violations; Grade F indicates persistent or serious issues. Ulster County's overall grade is D.
Not sure if your water needs a filter?
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Find the Right Filter →Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water safe in Ulster County, New York?
Ulster County has 81 community water systems with 406 recorded EPA violations, including 44 health-based. Water quality varies by ZIP code — check your specific location for detailed results.
How many water violations does Ulster County have?
Ulster County has 406 total EPA violations across 55 ZIP codes. 44 are health-based violations indicating contaminant levels potentially harmful to health.
Which city in Ulster County has the most water violations?
Kingston has the most violations in Ulster County with 60 recorded EPA violations across 2 ZIP codes.
What contaminants are found in Ulster County water?
Ulster County water systems are monitored for over 90 EPA-regulated contaminants including lead, copper, nitrates, disinfection byproducts, and bacteria. Check your ZIP code for contaminant-specific data.
How can I test my water in Ulster County?
Contact your local water utility for free or low-cost testing. You can also use a certified home test kit ($20-$50) or hire a certified lab ($150-$400).