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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 12305 Water Quality Report

Schenectady, NY · Schenectady County County

Safety Score
B

Water Safety Grade

Good — Minor issues on record

Health Violations

3

Total Violations

63

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 18 unresolved violations. Contact Schenectady City Water Works for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 12305

Tap water in ZIP code 12305 (Schenectady, NY) meets all federal safety standards and earns a solid B grade (score: 70/100). Served by Schenectady City Water Works, the water system has maintained general compliance with EPA Safe Drinking Water Act regulations, with only minor issues on record.

Water System

Schenectady City Water Works

EPA ID: NY4600070

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

61,821 residents

County

Schenectady County County, New York

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Lead Levels in ZIP 12305

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 3.0 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 12305 is 3.0 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 12305 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 67% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
3.00 ppb (0.003 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

3 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

67%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Schenectady City Water Works has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 18 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
63
Health-Based Violations
3
Unresolved Violations
18
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Schenectady City Water Works has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 12305: Chlorine residual. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Chlorine residual

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Schenectady City Water Works — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
CCR Source Classification
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$23
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

5.72%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 12305 Recommendations

  • ✓ Run cold water for 30 seconds each morning before use — especially if pipes are old
  • ✓ Request your annual Consumer Confidence Report from Schenectady City Water Works
  • ✓ If your home was built before 1986, consider testing your own tap for lead
  • ✓ Use a pitcher filter (NSF/ANSI 42 certified) for improved taste

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 12305 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 12305?+
Yes — tap water in 12305 (Schenectady, NY) currently meets all federal EPA standards with a water safety grade of B. No health-based violations are on record in the past 5 years. You can drink your tap water with confidence, though running the tap for 30 seconds in the morning is always a good practice.
What is the lead level in 12305 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 12305 is 3.0 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 12305?+
Tap water in ZIP code 12305 is provided by Schenectady City Water Works (EPA ID: NY4600070). This system serves approximately 61,821 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 12305?+
ZIP code 12305 is served by ground water. Groundwater systems draw from underground aquifers. While naturally filtered, groundwater can still contain naturally occurring contaminants such as arsenic, radium, or nitrates at elevated levels in some regions.
Does 12305 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 18 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Schenectady City Water Works for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 12305?+
Your water utility — Schenectady City Water Works — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Schenectady City Water Works Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 12305?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 12305, with detected contaminants including Chlorine residual, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 12305 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 12305 shows a lead level of 3.0 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 12305 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Schenectady City Water Works. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →