Though a small amount of chlorine and other chemicals is present to eliminate harmful pathogens, New York City tap water is safe to drink according to federal and state standards. Even so, despite the general safety of NYC tap water, there is always a slight risk of contaminants entering the water supply. Lead is one of the biggest concerns due to old pipes and plumbing systems.
If you have concerns about the quality of your tap water in New York City, the information on this page can help. If you become ill and suspect contaminated tap water is to blame, Keep Food Safe can help by connecting you with a skilled attorney ready to protect your rights. Contact us to learn more in a free consultation.
Where Does NYC Tap Water Come From?
New York City tap water comes from 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes within a vast watershed in the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains. These water sources feed the reservoirs of the Croton, Catskill, and Delaware Systems. Water from the reservoirs north of the city travels upwards of 125 miles before reaching faucets across the five boroughs.
A system of gravity-fed aqueducts carries most of New York City’s tap water (97 percent). Astonishingly, only 3 percent of the water is pumped.
How Is NYC Tap Water Treated?
Due to the high water purity of the Catskill and Delaware Systems, the city doesn’t filter the water from these sources. Instead, it uses ultraviolet light and small amounts of chlorine to kill harmful pathogens. Food-grade phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, and fluoride are also added to improve water quality and safety.
However, New York City does filter water from the Croton System by coagulating impurities, which makes them easier to remove. Air bubbles are then used to raise the coagulated material to the surface before skimming it away. Finally, activated carbon and sand filter out residual contaminants from the water before it goes through the same chemical treatment as water sourced from Catskill and Delaware Systems.
New York City's Filtration Avoidance Determination Waiver
New York City can bypass federal water filtration requirements in the Catskill and Delaware Systems due to its Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD). This waiver is available to drinking water systems that meet strict quality criteria regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which first issued the NYC FAD waiver in 1997.
The Catskill and Delaware Systems qualify for the FAD waiver due to their low risk of causing waterborne disease. Using unfiltered water also saves money on infrastructure and maintenance. The system is closely monitored and regularly tested to ensure the water quality remains within acceptable levels.
How Often Is the Water in NYC Tested for Quality?
The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) tests the city’s drinking water hundreds of times daily throughout the year. Samples are drawn throughout the water supply system, including treatment facilities, reservoirs, aqueducts, and street-side sampling stations in all five boroughs.
The DEP looks for disease-causing microorganisms, heavy metals, chemicals, and other potential contaminants. They also evaluate the water’s alkalinity, color, hardness, temperature, and mineral levels.
Is There Lead in NYC Tap Water?
According to the city government, NYC tap water is delivered “virtually lead-free.” However, lead can still contaminate water in homes built before 1961, when lead water service lines were phased out. Lead pipes can also contaminate your tap water if they are present in your household plumbing. This is more common in older homes.
New York City adds food-grade chemicals to its water to reduce the risk of lead leaching from pipes and fixtures. Still, even with these precautions, the risk of lead exposure remains.
Lead exposure can cause serious health complications, especially for young children and women who are pregnant. Among children, prolonged lead exposure from drinking water and other sources is linked to brain and nervous system damage, slowed growth, speech problems, and more. Lead poisoning in adults can cause miscarriages, lowered sperm count and quality, memory problems, joint pain, high blood pressure, and mood disorders.
The city’s LeadFreeNYC initiative includes a service line map with historical information to help determine if your water pipes might contain lead. You can also request a free lead test kit online or by calling 311.
Are There PFAS in New York City Tap Water?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” due to their high durability, are a group of synthetic chemicals that can also contaminate tap water. These chemicals are linked to cancer and various other health problems.
Fortunately, New York City tap water contains undetectable levels of PFAS. This contrasts starkly with other water systems in the United States. Some studies estimate that “approximately half” of the nation’s tap water has detectable PFAS levels.
What Should You Do if You Have Concerns About NYC Tap Water?
While New York City’s tap water is generally safe to drink, water quality issues can still arise. If you have concerns about tap water safety, consider filing a report. New York City encourages residents to report various water quality concerns, including discoloration, strange smells or tastes, and visible contamination.
Recent water quality reports are available to learn about your neighborhood’s tap water quality parameters. You can also request a free lead test kit from the city or work with a third-party lab to test for other contaminants.
If you believe you were injured due to contaminated tap water, you may have a viable legal claim against the city and other responsible parties. Keep Food Safe can help by connecting you with a skilled attorney. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights and options in a free consultation.
