Albany
Is Albany tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Albany scores 87/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 5 local systems in Albany. We found 369 total violations (45 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 02:00 PM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Albany.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Albany?
Expert Advice
Your water quality is excellent. Standard filtration is optional but can further enhance taste.
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 (87/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) 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
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 87/100.
How many water systems serve Albany?
Albany is served by 5 public water systems 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 87 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 5 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Albany?
The top contaminants detected in Albany include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Albany Water Quality Summary
Albany, NY receives a water quality score of 87/100 (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 87 is 4 points above the New York state average of 83, 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
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Water Systems Serving Albany (5)
Albany City
AChelsea Ridge Apartments
ANys Thruway-Pattersonville Service Area
AWashington Correctional
DColonie Village
ACheck Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Albany.
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