This article explores the safety and quality of NYC tap water, comparing it with bottled water, explaining the city's water system, detailing what's in the water, and addressing some concerns about contaminants. Read on to learn more about whether NYC tap water is safe for you to drink and what you can do if you have concerns
Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in NYC?
NYC Water Quality vs. Bottled Water
How Does the NYC Water System Work?
What Is in NYC Drinking Water?
Is NYC Tap Water Safe To Drink Bottom Line
Can You Drink Tap Water in NYC?
Yes, you can drink New York City tap water without having to worry about getting sick. It's actually some of the cleanest water you'll find in any major US city. Unless you have some sort of allergy or dietary restriction that prevents you from ingesting some of the additives used to clean the water, you shouldn’t experience any health problems from drinking NYC tap water.
But if you want to take extra precautions to prevent contamination, you can always invest in a filtration system or pitcher to put in your refrigerator. This will ensure that the water you consume is pure and free of unwanted substances or flavors. The other alternative is to purchase water bottles.
NYC Water Quality vs. Bottled Water
NYC tap water is some of the best in the country and is similar in quality to most bottled water. The main difference is how they are regulated: the FDA oversees bottled water, while the EPA regulates tap water. Both agencies have strict standards for water purity.
Many bottled waters even come from the same sources as tap water. While the mineral content and treatment processes might differ slightly, both tap and bottled water are safe to drink. Buying bottled water can be costly and create a lot of plastic waste. Therefore, despite being a convenient option, bottled water isn't necessary since NYC tap water is perfectly safe to drink
How Does the NYC Water System Work?
New York City has the largest unfiltered water system in the country. It ranks among the best public water systems in the US, along with major cities such as Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Every year, the Department of Environmental Protection performs somewhere between 500,000 and 600,000 health and quality tests on the drinking water in NYC to ensure it meets their rigorous standards.
The New York Watershed supplies clean drinking water to the five boroughs as well as Westchester, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties. The vast majority of New York’s water comes from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds. The water from these facilities is so clean that it is not required to be filtered by the EPA. But that doesn’t mean it’s entirely pure by the time it reaches your glass.
What Is in NYC Drinking Water?
Even though NYC drinking water is not filtered, it is treated with chemicals that may alter its taste or composition. The water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and sodium hydroxide, as well as UV light to ensure that it is safe to drink. The EPA heavily regulates the treatment process to ensure that none of the chemicals used in the treatment process are harmful to the body or likely to cause long-term health effects. But if you have a heightened sensitivity to any of these substances, you should be aware of their presence in NYC drinking water.
NYC Tap Water is Not Vegan
NYC water is not vegan as it also contains tiny microscopic organisms called copepods. These microscopic shrimps are not harmful to ingest but eat mosquito larvae known to thrive in standing water. These organisms are used as a biological control mechanism to eliminate possible mosquito breeding sites and make the water cleaner and better tasting.
The presence of copepods also means that NYC tap water is not technically kosher, which has caused issues with the city’s Orthodox Jewish community.
NYC Tap Water May Contain Unwanted Contaminants From Old Piping
Aside from what is intentionally added, New York has some of the oldest buildings of any major city in the US. This means that contaminants from the building’s pipes can get into the water. Landlords and property managers are expected to uphold certain standards to ensure that the pipes are healthy and the drinking water is clean. But even still, unwanted materials can seep into the drinking water, especially in older buildings.
Is NYC Tap Water Safe To Drink Bottom Line
NYC tap water is among the cleanest and safest in the country. It undergoes rigorous testing and is treated with chemicals like chlorine and fluoride to ensure safety. While it contains microscopic organisms and might pick up contaminants from old pipes, these are not harmful. If you prefer, using a water filter can help remove any unwanted substances. Overall, NYC tap water is a safe, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to bottled water.