New York, New York Water Quality Report
Population: 8,336,817 | Last Updated: 1/14/2024
Overall Water Quality Grade
Based on compliance rates, contaminant levels, and treatment effectiveness
Water Sources
New York receives its drinking water from multiple sources:
Catskill/Delaware Watershed
90%Surface Water
Pristine mountain watershed located in the Catskill Mountains, providing naturally filtered water
Croton Watershed
10%Surface Water
Supplementary water source from reservoirs in Westchester and Putnam counties
Detected Contaminants
All contaminants listed below are within legal limits, but some may exceed health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | Legal Limit | Health Goal | Status | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead | 3.2 ppb | 15 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | ↓ improving |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 42 ppb | 80 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 28 ppb | 60 ppb | 0 ppb | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
| Nitrate | 0.8 ppm | 10 ppm | 0.14 ppm | Below Legal Limit | → stable |
Comparison with New York State Average
Lead Compliance
6.0 points above state average
Bacterial Compliance
3.0 points above state average
Chemical Compliance
2.0 points above state average
Overall Score
6.0 points above state average
Water Quality Trends
Overall water quality score over the past 5 years
Water quality has improved by 4.0 points since 2019
Contamination History
Lead in Schools
Elevated lead levels detected in some NYC school water fountains, leading to widespread testing program
Resolution:
Citywide school water testing implemented, fixtures replaced where needed
Turbidity Spike
Temporary increase in water cloudiness due to heavy rainfall affecting Catskill watershed
Resolution:
Additional filtration processes activated, water quality restored within 48 hours
Frequently Asked Questions - New York Water Quality
Is New York City tap water safe to drink?
Yes, NYC tap water is among the highest quality in the nation. The city's water supply comes from pristine Catskill Mountain watersheds and undergoes rigorous testing. Over 1 billion gallons are tested daily for quality assurance.
Why does NYC water taste so good?
NYC water is naturally soft and filtered through the Catskill Mountain watershed. Unlike many cities, 90% of NYC's water is naturally filtered and doesn't require extensive chemical treatment, resulting in its notably fresh taste.
Should I worry about lead in NYC water?
The water supplied by NYC is lead-free. However, lead can enter drinking water through old pipes and fixtures in buildings. The city has implemented extensive testing in schools and offers free testing for homes built before 1987.
Does NYC add fluoride to the water?
Yes, NYC has fluoridated its water supply since 1965 to promote dental health. The fluoride level is maintained at 0.7 mg/L, the level recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service.
How does NYC water compare to bottled water?
NYC tap water meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards and is tested more frequently than bottled water. It's also more environmentally friendly and costs less than a penny per gallon compared to bottled water.
Nearby Water Utilities
Compare water quality in nearby cities:
Jersey City, NJ
Newark, NJ
Yonkers, NY
White Plains, NY
Utility Information
Water Provider
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Contact Information
Customer Service: 311
Emergency: 311
Data Disclaimer
This water quality report is compiled from publicly available data and annual water quality reports. For the most current information, please contact your local water utility or visit their official website. Last updated: 1/14/2024.