Skip to main content
WaterSafeCheck
Official EPA SDWIS Verified ReportWater Quality & Testing GuideHistorical Record: No Recorded SDWIS Violations

ZIP Code 12197 Water Quality & Testing Report

Worcester, NY · Otsego County County · Updated for 2026

Public Health & Medical Notice: Drinking water quality data on this page reflects historical compliance records submitted under the Safe Drinking Water Act. This information does not constitute medical advice or a real-time safety guarantee. If you are pregnant, nursing, preparing infant formula, or immunocompromised, consult a healthcare provider. Boiling water kills biological pathogens, but does NOT remove chemical contaminants like lead, arsenic, or PFAS.
Quick EPA Verified Answer

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 12197 (Worcester, NY)?

Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 12197 (Worcester, NY) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (56/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 0.8 ppb lead. While treated by Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

0

Total Violations

18

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

0

⚠

Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 8 unresolved violations. Contact Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 12197

Tap water in ZIP code 12197 (Worcester, NY) is distributed by Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester (EPA ID: NY3800160), serving approximately 656 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 56/100.

Water System

Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester

EPA ID: NY3800160

Water Source

Ground Water

Population Served

656 residents

County

Otsego County County, New York

🧪

Lead Levels in ZIP 12197

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 0.8 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 12197 is 0.8 ppb. This meets the EPA action level of 15 ppb. Health experts recommend a target of 0 ppb for optimal safety.

Lead exposure risk in 12197 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 55% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
0.80 ppb (0.0008 mg/L)
Copper Level (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

1.44 mg/L
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

55%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
🪨

Water Hardness & Mineral Content

Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)

Classification: Moderately Hard4.7 GPG · 80 mg/L

Water in ZIP 12197 is Moderately Hard (80 mg/L / 4.7 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.

Recommendation: A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Hardness (GPG)

Grains per gallon

4.7 GPG
Hardness (PPM / mg/L)

Parts per million CaCO3

80 mg/L
Appliance Scaling Risk
Low / Moderate

Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry

Utility: Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester · PWSID: NY3800160

Verify on EPA.gov
📋

Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester has recorded 18 violations, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions). 8 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.

Total Violations (5 yr)
18
Health-Based Violations
0
Unresolved Violations
8
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
High

Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated High based on past reporting and enforcement records.

⚗️

Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 12197 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.

⚖ Enforcement Actions

EPA or state regulators have issued 9 enforcement actions to address compliance lapses.
🌊

Water Source & Environmental Factors

Ground Water

This system draws water from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through soil and rock, but can still contain naturally occurring minerals like arsenic, radium, or nitrates.

Water Source Type
Ground Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

3.65%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

Water Quality Testing in ZIP 12197

Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations

Residents in ZIP code 12197 served by Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.

Tap Water Testing Steps

  • 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
  • 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
  • 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.

Private Well Testing Steps

  • •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
  • •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
  • •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by New York State Department of Health.
Certified Lab Testing: Always use an EPA-certified drinking water laboratory in NY for formal legal or real estate compliance testing.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 12197 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Recommended Water Treatment Systems:

🏺

NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter

Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.

Lead Filter Guide →
⚗️

NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System

Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.

RO System Guide →

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 12197 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 12197?+
Tap water in 12197 (Worcester, NY) meets major standards but has a grade of C due to minor past violations. Vulnerable populations may want to use a certified filter as a precaution.
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 12197 (Worcester, NY)?+
To test water quality in ZIP 12197, you can order a certified drinking water test kit or send water samples to an EPA/NELAP certified laboratory in NY. Certified testing checks for lead, coliform bacteria, nitrates, hardness, and PFAS that standard test strips miss. Contact New York State Department of Health for a list of certified regional labs.
How hard is the tap water in 12197?+
Tap water in 12197 is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated mineral hardness of 80 mg/L (4.7 GPG). A water softener is optional. Regular maintenance of hot water appliances is recommended.
Should I test private well water in 12197?+
Yes. Unlike municipal systems, private wells in 12197 are not regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners should test their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
What is the lead level in 12197 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 12197 is 0.8 ppb. The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is below the EPA action level.
Is there an active boil water notice in 12197?+
There are currently no active boil water advisories on record for 12197. Water treatment systems are operating within normal parameters.
Who provides tap water to 12197?+
Tap water in ZIP code 12197 is provided by Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester (EPA ID: NY3800160), serving approximately 656 residents.
What water filter should I use in 12197?+
Based on water metrics for 12197, we recommend Lead & Microplastic Filter. Look for certifications such as NSF/ANSI 53 (Lead Reduction), NSF/ANSI 42 (Particulate/Taste).

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 12197 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Worcester Water District #2 - Worcester. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →