WaterQ
New York State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Albany tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Albany scores 81/100.

Safety Score
81
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Albany?

Read Decision Guide →

Albany

New York

View New York state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Albany tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Albany scores 81/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Albany. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Albany?

Requirement Status
Recommended
🟡
💡

Expert Advice

Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.

Buying a Filter?

Wondering if Albany tap water needs filtering? We break it down.

Baby Formula Safety

Mixing baby formula with Albany tap water? Read this first.

Homebuyer's Perspective

If you're house-hunting in Albany, water quality belongs on your due-diligence checklist alongside schools and crime data. The high safety score (81/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Copper levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Albany

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
6
Contaminants Tracked
1
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Albany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Albany tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Albany scores 81/100.

How many water systems serve Albany?

Albany is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Albany?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Albany.

What is the water quality score for Albany?

The water quality score for Albany is 81 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Albany?

The top contaminants detected in Albany include Copper, Gross Alpha Particle Activity, PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
81/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
5
Population
111,688

Albany Water Quality Summary

Albany, NY receives a water quality score of 81/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 5 public water systems serving the area.

Albany's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.

Albany's score of 81 is 3 points below the New York state average of 84, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

For residents and home seekers in Albany, the local water profile is shaped by its status as a mid-size city in New York navigating the Northeast's characteristic dense urban centers and older infrastructure. A handful of distinct water systems distribute supply that is influenced by upstate's varied geology, ultimately delivering water that maintains a solidly respectable quality rating. While the municipal systems achieve reliable standards overall, prospective buyers may want to consider the potential impact of the region's older infrastructure on individual households.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our New York water quality rankings report →

Key Contaminants

Copper Violation
1.5903 / 1.3 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1.3 mg/L
Gross Alpha Particle Activity
8.0962 / 15 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 15 pCi/L
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
0.0017 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Nitrite
0.4237 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L
Total Trihalomethanes
29.9981 / 80 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 80 μg/L
Arsenic
2.7223 / 10 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 10 μg/L

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Water Systems Serving Albany (1)

Related

Compare Albany water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality