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State Report

Water & Air Quality in New York

Regional composite data for PFAS, lead, and PM2.5 in New York. Values are derived from EPA UCMR 5, EWG Tap Water Database, and AirNow annual averages. Check your specific ZIP code below for localized results.

PFAS

2.8 ppt
70% of EPA 4 ppt limit
OK

Lead

6.4 ppb
43% of EPA 15 ppb action level
Elevated

PM2.5

8 µg/m³
89% of EPA 9 µg/m³ standard
OK

New York Context

World-class NYC source water; lead risk in pre-war housing across the state.

Check Your Specific ZIP Code in New York

State averages mask wide local variation. Your ZIP code may be significantly cleaner or more contaminated than the state composite — especially near industrial sites, military bases, or older housing stock.

Audit New York ZIP 10001 →

Or go to the home page and enter any New York ZIP code.

What These Numbers Mean for New York Residents

PFAS in New York Drinking Water

New York's regional PFAS composite is 2.8 parts per trillion (ppt), which is at or below the EPA's 2024 enforceable limit of 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS. That said, the EPA limit reflects what's technically achievable — the agency's health goal is zero, and any PFAS exposure carries some risk given their persistence in the body.

Lead in New York Tap Water

Lead contamination in New York averages 6.4 ppb at the 90th percentile. This is at or above concerning levels. Homes built before 1986 face the highest risk from lead service lines and solder. An NSF 53-certified under-sink filter or reverse osmosis system removes lead at the tap.

PM2.5 Air Quality in New York

New York's annual average PM2.5 is 8 µg/m³. This meets the EPA annual standard (9 µg/m³) but exceeds the stricter WHO guideline of 5 µg/m³. A HEPA air purifier in sleeping areas is recommended, particularly for children and people with respiratory conditions.

Filtration Recommendations for New York

  • Lead concern: Any NSF 53-certified carbon block filter removes lead at the tap. An RO system covers both PFAS and lead. Shop Berkey →

New York Water & Air Resources

EWG Tap Water Database

Search New York utility test results for PFAS and other contaminants.

EPA AirNow

Real-time PM2.5 and AQI data for New York cities.

Consumer Confidence Reports

Your New York utility's annual water quality disclosure.

Want to go deeper? Read our evidence-based articles on PFAS health effects, water filter comparisons, and PM2.5 air quality. Or audit your specific ZIP code for localized results.