Tap Water Results

Is Hempstead, NY tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

No federal limits exceeded in EPA data for Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook. 3 PFAS were detected below the limits.

9 public water systems serve parts of Hempstead. The largest, Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook, serves 220,000 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook

220,000 people · Groundwater · EPA ID NY2902835

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
One sample above limit
2.55 ppt4 pptOne sample above limit
PFHxS
Detected, below limit
3.15 ppt10 pptDetected, below limit
PFNA
Detected, below limit
2.05 ppt10 pptDetected, below limit
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

Lead: 5 ppb at the 90th percentile (Jun 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 5

Full Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook results

Across New York, 31 of 322 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 16 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. New York results.

Hempstead homes and lead pipes

88%
of homes built before 1980 (New York 74%, US 50%)
38%
built before 1950 (New York 38%)
18%
of households rent (New York 46%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Hempstead town (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Which system serves your ZIP code

Based on the ZIP codes each system reported serving. Boundaries don't follow ZIP lines exactly, so your water bill is the final word.

SystemZIP codes in Hempstead
Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook
220,000 people
11096, 11509, 11510, 11516, 11518, 11520, 11549, 11550, 11552, 11556, 11557, 11558, 11559, 11561, 11563, 11565, 11570, 11572, 11575, 11580, 11581, 11598
Liberty Utilities New York – Merrick
135,000 people
11566, 11710, 11756, 11783, 11793
Water Authority of Western Nassau
120,000 people
11001, 11003, 11010, 11530
Town of Hempstead Water Department
110,000 people
11553, 11554, 11590
Lido-Point Lookout Water District
2,000 people
11569

Other water systems serving Hempstead

2 more systems
  • Lido-Point Lookout Water District
    2,000 people · Groundwater · New York · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample
  • Cathedral Gardens Water District
    1,500 people · Purchased groundwater · New York · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Freeport 2 mi
Village of Freeport
Village of FreeportNone above limits3 ppb
Rockville Centre 3 mi
Village of Rockville Centre
Village of Rockville CentreNone above limits1 ppb
Long Beach 4 mi
Long Beach City Water System
Long Beach City Water SystemNone above limits1.1 ppb
North Hempstead 12 mi
Water Authority of Western Nassau
Water Authority of Western NassauAbove limit1.4 ppb
Oyster Bay 13 mi
Jericho Water District
Jericho Water DistrictNone above limits2 ppb
Babylon 15 mi
Suffolk County Water Authority
Suffolk County Water AuthorityAbove limit1.25 ppb

Questions

Is Hempstead tap water safe to drink?

Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook had 5 health-based violations since 2016. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Hempstead, NY?

9 public water systems serve parts of Hempstead. The largest is Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook (220,000 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Hempstead tap water have PFAS?

Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook had 3 PFAS detected at least once in EPA's 2023–2025 testing, all with averages below the federal limits.

Do Hempstead homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 88% of Hempstead homes as built before 1980 (New York: 74%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Liberty Utilities New York – Lynbrook's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.