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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 14850 Water Quality Report

Ithaca, NY · Tompkins County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

6

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact Cornell University for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 14850

Tap water in ZIP code 14850 (Ithaca, NY) receives a C grade (score: 59/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Cornell University is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Cornell University

EPA ID: NY5417686

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

31,581 residents

County

Tompkins County County, New York

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Lead Levels in ZIP 14850

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

Lead Level: 2.4 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 14850 is 2.4 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 14850 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 53% 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)
2.40 ppb (0.0024 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

53%
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

Cornell University has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details.

Total Violations (5 yr)
6
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
0
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Cornell University 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

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 14850. This means EPA monitoring has not found levels of regulated contaminants exceeding the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set under the Safe Drinking Water Act — a positive indicator of water quality compliance.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

5 enforcement actions have been issued against Cornell University — 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

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$0
Energy Burden

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

4.13%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 14850 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 14850 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 14850?+
Tap water in 14850 (Ithaca, NY) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 14850 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 14850 is 2.4 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 14850?+
Tap water in ZIP code 14850 is provided by Cornell University (EPA ID: NY5417686). This system serves approximately 31,581 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 14850?+
ZIP code 14850 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 14850 have any active water quality violations?+
There are 1 health-based violation in the past 5-year record, but no currently unresolved violations according to EPA data. This means past issues have been addressed.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 14850?+
Your water utility — Cornell University — 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 "Cornell University Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 14850?+
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 14850, with a clean compliance record, a standard carbon block filter meeting NSF/ANSI 42 is a good choice for taste and as a precaution.
Is 14850 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 14850 shows a lead level of 2.4 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 14850 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 Cornell University. 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 →