Albany, NY Tap Water Quality

Tap water quality in Albany, NY is a significant concern, currently receiving a below-average safety score of 21/100 across 50 ZIP codes. With 0 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years, systems like Albany City have struggled to maintain compliance with EPA regulations enforced by New York State Department of Health. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize certified water filtration systems.

A major factor in Albany's high rating is its flawless health-based violation record. Over the past 5 years of EPA tracking, local water systems have recorded zero health-based violations. This means that regulated contaminants—such as lead, arsenic, and harmful bacteria—have not exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) allowed by federal law. Drawing primarily from surface water, the city utilizes advanced filtration to maintain this standard.

Additionally, lead exposure risk remains a critical issue for certain neighborhoods. EPA data indicates that 11 out of 50 ZIP codes in Albany are rated as High or Very High risk for lead. This risk is often driven by aging homes with pre-1986 plumbing containing lead solder or service lines. Families in these areas should test their tap water and consider NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters.