Tap Water Results

Is Schenectady, 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 Schenectady City Water Works.

2 public water systems serve parts of Schenectady. The largest, Schenectady City Water Works, serves 62,000 people. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Schenectady City Water Works

62,000 people · Groundwater · EPA ID NY4600070

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
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: 3 ppb at the 90th percentile (Dec 2025, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 0

Full Schenectady City Water Works 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.

Schenectady homes and lead pipes

85%
of homes built before 1980 (New York 74%, US 50%)
58%
built before 1950 (New York 38%)
54%
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. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

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

Other water systems serving Schenectady

  • Niskayuna Consolidated Water District #11
    22,287 people · Groundwater · New York · lists this city
    No PFAS above limits

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Rotterdam 4 mi
Rotterdam Water District #5
Rotterdam Water District #5None above limits0.83 ppb
Clifton Park 7 mi
Clifton Park Water Authority
Clifton Park Water AuthorityNone above limits1 ppb
Glenville 7 mi
Glenville Water District #11
Glenville Water District #11None above limits4.1 ppb
Guilderland 7 mi
Guilderland Town Water District
Guilderland Town Water DistrictNone above limits2.8 ppb
Colonie 8 mi
Latham Water District
Latham Water DistrictNone above limits2 ppb
Halfmoon 11 mi
Halfmoon Water District (TROY)
Halfmoon Water District (TROY)None above limits2.4 ppb
Schenectady ZIP codes (4)
  • 12304
  • 12305
  • 12307
  • 12308

Questions

Is Schenectady tap water safe to drink?

Schenectady City Water Works has had no 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 Schenectady, NY?

2 public water systems serve parts of Schenectady. The largest is Schenectady City Water Works (62,000 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Schenectady tap water have PFAS?

None detected above EPA's reporting limits. Schenectady City Water Works had no PFAS detected in EPA's 2023–2025 testing. "Not detected" means below the reporting limit (about 2 to 20 ppt), not proven zero.

Do Schenectady homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 85% of Schenectady 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. Schenectady City Water Works'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.