Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in New York?
Yes, New York's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as New York has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. For the latest updates on New York water, please check out its Twitter page
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from Oct. 31, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2021, New York's water utility, New York City System, had 0 violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for New York was resolved on Oct. 31, 2012. This assessment is based on the New York City System water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for New York Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in New York tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in New York's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
New York Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named New York City System for New York in New York. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
For the compliance period beginning Feb. 1, 2017, New York had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique Uncovered Reservoir which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Oct. 1, 2012 to Oct. 31, 2012, New York had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Treatment Technique Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From April 1, 2012 to April 30, 2012, New York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Dec. 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010, New York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Is there Lead in New York Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the New York water system, New York City System, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.011 mg/L of lead in New York water. This is 73.3% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from New York contained more lead.
While New York water testing may have found 0.011 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in New York Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - BETHPAGE NY NWIRP - near New York with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if New York has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
New York SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
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02/01/2017 - | Addressed | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Treatment Technique Uncovered Reservoir (47) | Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (123) | Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0800) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
10/01/2012 - 10/31/2012 | Resolved | Yes | Treatment Technique Violation (TT) | Treatment Technique (SWTR and GWR) (41) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
04/01/2012 - 04/30/2012 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) (31) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
12/01/2010 - 12/31/2010 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR) (31) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
Field | Description |
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Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
New York Water - Frequently Asked Questions
By Mail: | 59-17 Junction Blvd. FLUSHING, NY, 11373 |
Existing customers can login to their New York City System account to pay their New York water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your New York City System bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your New York water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your New York water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in New York means you will often need to put the water in your name with New York City System. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in New York means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with New York City System. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.

The estimated price of bottled water
$2.34 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in New York, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
New York Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from New York's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.

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Vincent Sapienza, P.E.
Commissioner
Dear Friends:
This past year has presented our agency, our city, and our nation with historic challenges. The work we do at the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has never been more vital to protecting the health of New Yorkers.
Despite the challenges presented by the
In this report, you will see that New York City’s drinking water continued to meet or surpass every national and state standard for quality. These data are based on 43,600 samples that were collected by DEP scientists throughout our reservoir system, and at nearly 1,000
I want to especially thank the many DEP employees who went above and beyond in 2020, putting their commitment to public service before themselves, and truly embodying DEP’s core values. And, as we embark on a new decade, I also want to thank each of you for entrusting DEP with your drinking water supply. We take great pride in delivering the best water to millions of New Yorkers every day.
Sincerely,
Vincent Sapienza, P.E.
Commissioner

2
Throughout the
NEW YORK CITY’S WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM
New York City’s water supply system provides more than one billion gallons of safe drinking water every day to more than 8.3 million residents of New York City and one million people living in the counties of Westchester, Putnam, Orange, and Ulster. In 2020, we delivered 104 million gallons per day to 74 communities and institutions outside NYC. In all, this system provides nearly half the population of New York State with
New York City gets its drinking water from 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes spread across
-
nearly
2,000-square-mile watershed. The watershed is located upstate in portions of the Hudson Valley and Catskill Mountains that are as far as 125 miles north of the city. New York City’s water supply system is comprised of two primary surface water supplies called the Catskill/Delaware and Croton. The city also has a permit to operate a groundwater supply in Southeast Queens, although water from that system has not been delivered to customers in many years.
In 2020, New York City received a blend of drinking water from the Catskill/Delaware and Croton supplies. The Catskill/Delaware provided approximately 96 percent of the water, and approximately 4 percent was supplied by Croton. An estimated 10 percent of the water supply was lost due to distribution system leakage.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

3
TREATING OUR DRINKING WATER
CATSKILL/DELAWARE SUPPLY
Due to the very high quality of our Catskill/Delaware supply, New York City is one of only five large cities in the country with a surface drinking water supply that does not utilize filtration as a form of treatment. The Catskill/Delaware supply operates under a filtration waiver, referred to as the “Filtration Avoidance Determination” (FAD), and the water from this supply is treated using two forms of disinfection to reduce microbial risk.
Water is disinfected with chlorine, a common disinfectant added to kill germs and stop bacteria from growing on pipes, and then with ultraviolet (UV) light at the Catskill/Delaware UV Disinfection Facility. The facility, located in Westchester County, is the largest of its kind in the world and is designed to disinfect more than two billion gallons of water per day. At the UV Disinfection Facility, exposure to UV light inactivates potentially harmful microorganisms without changing the water.
DEP also adds food grade phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, and fluoride to the water before sending it into distribution. Phosphoric acid is added because it creates a protective film on pipes that reduces the release of metals, such as lead, from service lines and household plumbing. Sodium hydroxide is added to raise the pH which reduces corrosion of household plumbing. Fluoride is added to improve dental protection and is effective in preventing cavities at a
CROTON SUPPLY
The Croton supply is filtered by the Croton Water Filtration Plant, located underground in the Bronx. The plant has the ability to treat up to 290 million gallons of drinking water each day, which helps to ensure a large enough supply of water for the city to withstand
droughts, periodically shut down other parts of the The New Croton Reservoir Dam water supply, and respond to the potential effects of
climate change. The Croton Water Filtration Plant first began operating in May 2015.
Once water arrives at the filtration plant it undergoes treatment to remove impurities. The treatment processes include coagulation, dissolved air flotation, filtration, and disinfection. During coagulation, chemicals are added to untreated water, causing any particulates to bunch together and become larger particles called floc. Then injected air bubbles float the floc to the top where it is skimmed off using a process called dissolved air flotation. Finally, the water flows through a filter bed removing any remaining particles. Just like the Catskill/Delaware supply, Croton water is disinfected with chlorine and UV light to protect against
20202020DRINKINGDRINKINGWATERWATERSUPPLYSUPPLYANDANDQUALITYQUALITYREPORTREPORT

4
TESTING FOR QUALITY
DRINKING WATER SAMPLING AND
MONITORING
DEP monitors the water in the distribution system, upstate reservoirs and feeder streams, and wells that are potential sources for New York City’s drinking water supply. We continuously sample and conduct analyses for numerous water quality parameters, including microbiological, chemical, and physical measures, throughout the watershed and as the water enters the distribution system. DEP also regularly tests water quality at nearly 1,000 water quality sampling stations throughout New York City. In 2020, DEP performed over 363,200 analyses on 31,300 samples from
the distribution system, meeting all state and federal monitoring requirements. These data are summarized in tables starting on page 11.
Additionally, DEP performed over 166,800 analyses on 12,300 samples from the upstate reservoir watersheds and took more than 2.7 million robotic monitoring measurements to support FAD watershed protection programs and to optimize water quality.
REGULATION OF DRINKING WATER
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
include microbial contaminants, inorganic contaminants, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemical contaminants, and radioactive contaminants.
To ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prescribe regulations that limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The NYSDOH and the federal Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which must provide the same protection for public health. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. These regulations also establish the minimum amount of testing and monitoring that each system must undertake to ensure that the tap water is safe to drink.
Visit epa.gov/safewater or health.ny.gov for more information about drinking water.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

5
PROTECTING OUR WATER AT THE SOURCE
DEP funds and administers a number of watershed protection and pollution prevention programs to maintain the high quality of our drinking water. These
NYSDOH issued the most current FAD in 2017 that allows DEP to continue operating the Catskill/ Delaware supply without filtration through at least 2027. DEP will commit an estimated $1 billion over the coming decade to comply with the FAD, which will go towards our watershed programs that conserve watershed lands, upgrade wastewater infrastructure, implement clean water strategies on watershed farms, and manage streams, forests, and other natural resources that affect water quality.
SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS
Federal regulations require states to develop and implement source water assessment programs to identify the areas that supply public tap water, inventory contaminants, assess water system susceptibility to contamination, and inform the public of the results. The states are given a great deal of flexibility on how to implement source water assessment programs. These assessments are created using available information to help estimate the potential for source water contamination. Higher susceptibility ratings do not mean that source water contamination has occurred or will occur in a water supply; rather, they indicate the need for water suppliers to implement additional precautionary measures. Because of DEP’s extensive watershed protection and pollution prevention programs, NYSDOH does not find it necessary to perform a source water assessment on the New York City water supply.
Water quality monitoring at Bear Kill which leads to Schoharie Reservoir
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

6
CONSERVING OUR SUPPLY
Although New York City has grown by more than
1.3 million people since 1980, demand for water has dropped by approximately 35
The average
(748 gallons), or about $373 a year. Since nearly all customers also receive wastewater collection and treatment services, which cost about $594, the combined annual water and sewer charge for the typical New York City household using 70,000 gallons per year is $967, calculated at fiscal year 2021 rates.
Advances in technology have played a key role in the drop of water consumption, from the replacement of thousands of inefficient toilets through DEP’s toilet replacement program, to an automated leak detection program, which helps our customers save both money and water by alerting homeowners to unusual spikes in water consumption. DEP has also partnered with other city agencies, colleges, and businesses to help conserve water by installing more than 400 spray shower timers in NYC Parks playgrounds, 34,000 efficient bathroom fixtures in 402 New York City public schools, and a water reuse station at the Fire Department of the City of New York’s (FDNY) Fire Training Academy on Randall’s Island which includes
-
40,000-gallon underground water storage tank used for calibrating equipment on pumper apparatus.
These, and other recent investments, have reduced overall demand for water by more than 11.2 million gallons per day. By 2022, we plan to nearly double that by conserving 20 million gallons per day through new and ongoing initiatives.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

7
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
We are continuing to build upon DEP’s legacy of
In May 2020, the final segment of steel lining was lowered into the Delaware Aqueduct Bypass Tunnel, marking another significant milestone in our project to repair the longest tunnel in the world. The last of 230 massive steel liners was lowered down an access shaft in the Town of Newburgh. Each steel segment is 16 feet in diameter, 40 feet long, and weighs 106,000 pounds. DEP expected to complete the installation of steel liners by August 2020, but laborers finished this vital portion of the $1 billion project several months ahead of schedule. In addition to meeting this milestone, we also placed more than 70 percent of the tunnel’s finished concrete liner.
This summer, DEP announced the start of subsurface analyses for the future upgrades to the dam and dikes at Ashokan Reservoir. Field work began in August to support future upgrades to the dam and dikes that impound water at the reservoir. The work focuses on gathering soil and bedrock samples that are needed for the engineering and design of upgrades at each structure. The subsurface investigations are connected to the Ashokan Century Program, a comprehensive,
Work on steel liners for the Delaware Aqueduct Bypass Tunnel (each liner section is 16' in diameter and 40' long)
20202020DRINKINGDRINKINGWATERWATERSUPPLYSUPPLYANDANDQUALITYQUALITYREPORTREPORT

8
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA
DEP maintains a comprehensive program to monitor its source waters and watersheds for the presence of Cryptosporidium and Giardia, microscopic organisms that can cause disease. In 2020, DEP collected weekly samples of water leaving Kensico Reservoir, prior to chlorination and UV disinfection, and leaving Hillview Reservoir, prior to secondary disinfection with chlorine. Water leaving New Croton Reservoir was sampled quarterly. Samples were analyzed using EPA Method 1623.1. The Cryptosporidium and Giardia data for water leaving the Kensico, Hillview, and New Croton reservoirs are presented in the table on page 14 of this report.
While there is no evidence that any cases of cryptosporidiosis or giardiasis have been caused by the New York City water supply, federal and state law requires all water suppliers to notify their customers about the potential risks from Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis are intestinal illnesses caused by microscopic pathogens, which can be waterborne. Symptoms of infection include nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Some people may be more vulnerable
to disease causing microorganisms, or pathogens in drinking water than the general population.
New York City’s Waterborne Disease Risk Assessment Program (WDRAP), a partnership between DEP and DOHMH, helps assess and ensure the microbial safety of NYC’s tap water. Under WDRAP,
NYC conducts disease surveillance for Cryptosporidium and Giardia to track incidence and to examine patterns and potential
risk exposures in the population. The city also conducts syndromic surveillance for gastrointestinal symptoms to monitor trends to ensure identification of any waterborne disease outbreak, should one occur. Disease and syndromic surveillance continued to indicate that there have been no outbreaks of Cryptosporidium and Giardia attributed to tap water consumption in New York City.
Throughout the
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT |
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT |

9
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS THERE LEAD IN MY DRINKING WATER?
New York City’s
HOW CAN I FIND OUT IF I HAVE A LEAD SERVICE LINE?
Visit nyc.gov/leadfree to view an interactive map. This map offers historical information largely based on
HOW CAN I TEST THE WATER IN MY HOME?
DEP offers free lead test kits to all New York City residents. Call 311 or visit nyc.gov/apps/311 to request a free lead test kit. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF LEAD?
Exposure to lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women, infants, and young children. For more information, visit nyc.gov/lead.
How can I limit my lead exposure?
Run Your Tap
for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking, when your water has been sitting for several hours.
Use Cold Water
for cooking, drinking, or preparing infant formula. Hot tap water is more likely to contain lead and other metals.
Remove & Clean
the faucet screen monthly (also called an aerator), where small particles can get trapped.
Hire
a licensed plumber to identify and replace plumbing fixtures and/or service line that contain lead.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

10
DEP scientist performing water testing at the NYC Water Quality Distribution Laboratory
HOW TO READ THE NEW YORK CITY 2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS
The following section of this report compares the quality of your tap water to federal and state standards for each parameter (if applicable). The monitoring results show that New York City’s drinking water met all drinking water standards in 2020.
The following tables reflect the compliance monitoring results for all regulated and
Most of our data are representative of 2020 testing; concentrations of parameters or contaminants do not change frequently.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

11
THE NEW YORK CITY
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS
DETECTED CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS
PARAMETER
NYSDOH MCL |
EPA MCLG |
(Highest Level |
(Ideal |
Allowed) |
Goal) |
|
|
#
SAMPLES
RANGE
AVERAGE
MCL
VIOLATION
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
Alkalinity (mg/L CaCO3) |
- |
|
297 |
14 - 76 |
20 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Aluminum (µg/L) |
50 - 200 (1) |
|
300 |
8 - 40 |
13 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Barium (mg/L) |
2 |
2 |
300 |
0.01 - 0.04 |
0.02 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Bromide (µg/L) |
- (2) |
|
8 |
8 - 35 |
20 |
No |
Naturally occurring |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Calcium (mg/L) |
- |
|
300 |
5 - 27 |
7 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Chloride (mg/L) |
250 |
|
297 |
11- 75 |
17 |
No |
Naturally occurring; road salt |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Chlorine Residual, Free (mg/L) |
4 (3) |
|
14,855 |
0.0 - 1.2 |
0.6 (3) |
No |
Water additive for disinfection |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Chromium (µg/L) |
100 |
|
300 |
ND - 4 |
ND |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Color - distribution system |
- |
|
13,651 |
3 - 47 |
6 |
No |
Presence of iron, manganese, and |
||
(color units - apparent) |
|
organics in water |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Color - entry points (color units - |
15 (4) |
|
1,207 |
3 - 12 |
6 |
No |
Presence of iron, manganese, and |
||
apparent) |
|
organics in water |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copper (mg/L) |
1.3 (5) |
1.3 |
300 |
ND - 0.052 |
0.007 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing; |
||
erosion of natural deposits |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Corrosivity (Langelier index) |
- (6) |
|
76 |
No |
|
||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fluoride (mg/L) |
2.2 (4) |
4 |
1,930 |
0.4 - 0.8 |
0.7 |
No |
Water additive which promotes strong |
||
teeth; erosion of natural deposits |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Hardness (mg/L CaCO3) |
- |
|
300 |
16 - 106 |
24 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Hardness (grains/gallon[US] |
- |
|
300 |
0.9 - 5.9 |
1.4 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
CaCO |
) (7) |
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Iron (µg/L) |
300 (4) (8) |
|
300 |
ND - 881 (8) |
33 |
No |
Naturally occurring |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lead (µg/L) |
15 (5) |
0 |
300 |
ND - 2 (9) |
ND |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing; |
||
erosion of natural deposits |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Magnesium (mg/L) |
- |
|
300 |
1 - 9.3 |
1.7 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

12
DETECTED CONVENTIONAL PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PARAMETERS (continued)
PARAMETER
NYSDOH MCL |
EPA MCLG |
(Highest Level |
(Ideal |
Allowed) |
Goal) |
|
|
#
SAMPLES
RANGE
AVERAGE
MCL
VIOLATION
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
Manganese (µg/L) |
300 (4) (8) |
|
300 |
ND - 38 |
18 |
No |
Naturally occurring |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nickel (µg/L) |
- |
|
|
300 |
ND - 2 (9) |
ND |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Runoff from fertilizer use; leaching |
Nitrate (mg/L nitrogen) |
10 |
|
10 |
297 |
0.04 |
- 0.17 |
0.10 |
No |
from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
pH (pH units) |
6.8 - 8.2 (10) |
|
14,854 |
6.9 |
- 8.0 |
7.4 |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Phosphate, Ortho- (mg/L) |
|
14,855 |
1.2 |
- 3.5 |
2.1 |
No |
Water additive for corrosion control |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Potassium (mg/L) |
- |
|
|
300 |
0.4 |
- 2.5 |
0.7 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Silica [silicon oxide] (mg/L) |
- |
|
|
200 |
1.8 |
- 5.2 |
2.5 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sodium (mg/L) |
NDL (4) |
(11) |
|
300 |
9 - 44 |
12 |
No |
Naturally occurring; road salt; water |
|
|
softeners; animal waste |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Specific Conductance (µS/cm) |
- |
|
|
14,858 |
80 - 461 |
109 |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Strontium (µg/L) |
- |
|
|
300 |
16 |
- 84 |
23 |
No |
Erosion of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sulfate (mg/L) |
250 |
|
|
297 |
3 - 19 |
4 |
No |
Naturally occurring |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Temperature (°F) |
- |
|
|
14,854 |
38 |
- 82 |
56 |
No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) |
500 (1) |
|
77 |
53 |
- 89 |
71 |
No |
Metals and salts naturally occurring in |
|
|
the soil; organic matter |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon (mg/L) |
- |
|
|
378 |
0.7 |
- 3.0 |
1.6 |
No |
Organic matter naturally present in |
|
|
the environment |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Carbon - source |
- (2) |
|
|
8 |
2.1 |
- 4.2 |
3.1 |
No |
Organic matter naturally present in |
water (mg/L) |
|
|
the environment |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity (12) - distribution system |
5 (13) |
|
|
13,651 |
ND - 9.2 |
0.8 (13) |
No |
Soil runoff |
|
(NTU) |
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity (12) - source water (NTU) |
5 (14) |
|
|
- |
|
- |
1.3 (14) |
No |
Soil runoff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Turbidity (12) - filtered water (NTU) |
TT (15) |
|
- |
|
- |
0.07 (15) |
No |
Soil runoff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UV 254 (absorbance/cm) |
- |
|
|
307 |
0.009 |
- 0.073 |
0.029 |
No |
Organic matter naturally present in |
|
|
the environment |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zinc (mg/L) |
5 (4) |
|
|
300 |
ND - 0.019 |
ND |
No |
Naturally occurring |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

13
DETECTED ORGANIC PARAMETERS
PARAMETER
NYSDOH MCL
(Highest Level
Allowed)
EPA MCLG
(Ideal Goal)
# SAMPLES
RANGE
AVERAGE
MCL
VIOLATION
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Probable source is sample |
6 |
|
74 |
ND - 0.6 (9) |
ND |
No |
contamination from plastic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
gloves or air particulates |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromochloroacetic Acid (µg/L) |
50 |
|
293 |
ND - 4 |
1 |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bromodichloroacetic Acid (µg/L) |
50 (2) |
|
80 |
1 - 5 |
3 |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50 |
|
318 |
ND - D (16) |
ND |
No |
Used in dyes, drugs, and |
|
|
explosives |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Chlorodibromoacetic Acid (µg/L) |
50 (2) |
|
80 |
ND - 0.6 |
ND |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dalapon (µg/L) |
50 |
|
293 |
ND - 1.2 |
ND |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acid 5 (HAA5) (µg/L) |
60 (17) |
|
293 |
4 - 72 |
51 (17) |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acid Brominated (HAA6Br) |
- (2) |
|
80 |
2 - 9 |
4 |
No |
|
(µg/L) |
|
chlorination |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Haloacetic Acid 9 (HAA9) (µg/L) |
- (2) |
|
80 |
31 - 82 |
53 |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Organic Halogen (µg/L) |
- |
|
56 |
157 - 227 |
187 |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) (µg/L) |
80 (17) |
|
300 |
7 - 75 |
51 (17) |
No |
|
|
chlorination |
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
DETECTED MICROBIAL PARAMETERS
PARAMETER
NYSDOH MCL
(Highest Level
Allowed)
EPA MCLG
(Ideal Goal)
# SAMPLES
RANGE
- SAMPLES POSITIVE
HIGHEST AVERAGE MONTH % POSITIVE
MCL
VIOLATION
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
Total Coliform Bacteria |
5% |
0 |
9,806 |
- |
33 |
- |
1.1% |
No |
Naturally present in |
|
(% of samples positive/month) |
the environment |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. coli (MPN/100mL) |
- (18) |
0 |
9,806 |
- |
0 |
- |
0.0% |
No |
Animal fecal waste |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heterotrophic Plate Count |
TT |
- |
8,571 |
ND - 95 |
92 |
ND |
- |
No |
Naturally present in |
|
(CFU/mL) |
the environment |
|||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Continued on next page
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

14
LEAD AND COPPER RULE SAMPLING AT RESIDENTIAL WATER TAPS
PARAMETER
NYSDOH AL
EPA MCLG
(Ideal Goal)
90% OF YOUR LEVELS WERE LESS THAN
RANGE
- SAMPLES EXCEEDING AL
Exceedance
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
Copper (mg/L) |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.204 |
0.005 - 0.640 |
0 out of 411 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lead (µg/L) |
15 |
0 |
11 |
ND - 120 |
28 out of 411 |
No |
Corrosion of household plumbing |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA SAMPLING
FROM SOURCE WATER LEAVING RESERVOIRS (19)
PARAMETER
RESERVOIR
# SAMPLES
- SAMPLES POSITIVE
RANGE
LIKELY SOURCES IN DRINKING WATER
|
Kensico |
52 |
3 |
0 - 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cryptosporidium (oocysts/50L) |
Hillview |
52 |
2 |
0 - 1 |
Animal fecal waste |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Croton |
4 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Kensico |
52 |
35 |
0 - 17 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Giardia (cysts/50L) |
Hillview |
52 |
17 |
0 - 5 |
Animal fecal waste |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Croton |
4 |
3 |
0 - 8 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UNITS AND ABBREVIATIONS |
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): |
|
CaCO3 = calcium carbonate |
The level of a contaminant in drinking water below |
|
which there is no known or expected risk to health. |
||
CFU/mL = colony forming units per milliliter |
||
MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. |
||
/cm = per centimeter |
||
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL): |
||
D = detected parameter |
||
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking |
||
°F = degrees Fahrenheit |
||
water. The addition of a disinfectant is necessary for |
||
µg/L = micrograms per liter |
control of microbial contaminants. |
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µS/cm = microsiemens per centimeter |
Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG): |
|
mg/L = milligrams per liter |
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which |
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MPN/100mL = most probable number per 100 milliliters |
there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs |
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ND = parameter is not detected |
do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to |
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NDL = no designated limits |
control microbial contamination. |
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NTU = nephelometric turbidity units |
Treatment Technique (TT): |
|
/50L = per 50 liters |
A required process intended to reduce the level of a |
|
|
contaminant in drinking water. |
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DEFINITIONS |
90th Percentile Value: |
|
Action Level (AL): |
The values reported for lead and copper represent the |
|
90th percentile. A percentile is a value on a scale of 100 |
||
The concentration of a contaminant, which, if |
that indicates the percent of a distribution that is equal |
|
exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements |
to or below the value. The 90th percentile is equal to or |
|
that a water system must follow. |
greater than 90 percent of the lead and copper values |
|
Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): |
detected at your water system. |
|
The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in |
|
|
drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as |
|
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feasible, using the best available treatment technology. |
|
|
|
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2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

15
NOT DETECTED PARAMETERS
Conventional Physical and Chemical Parameters:
Antimony, Arsenic, Asbestos, Beryllium, Cadmium, Cyanide, Gross alpha, Lithium, Mercury, Nitrite, Selenium, Silver, Thallium, Uranium
Principal Organic Contaminants:
Benzene, Bromobenzene, Bromochloromethane, Bromomethane,
Specified Organic Contaminants:
Alachlor, Aldicarb (Temik), Aldicarb sulfone, Aldicarb sulfoxide, Aldrin, Atrazine, Benzo(a)pyrene, Butachlor, Carbaryl, Carbofuran (Furadan), Chlordane,
Unspecified Organic Contaminants:
Acenaphthene, Acenaphthylene, Acetochlor, Acetone, Acifluorfen, Allyl chloride, Ametryn,
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

16
2020 MONITORING DATA FOOTNOTES
- EPA Secondary MCL: NYSDOH has not set an MCL for this parameter.
-
Monitored for under the Fourth Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR4) in
2018 and 2019. UCMR4 included source water monitoring for bromide and total organic carbon; no MCL has been established for these parameters. - Value represents MRDL, which is a level of disinfectant added for water treatment that may not be exceeded at the consumer's tap without an unacceptable possibility of adverse health effects. The MRDL is enforceable in the same manner as an MCL and is the calculated running annual average. Data presented are the range of individual sampling results and the highest of the four quarterly running annual averages.
- Determination of MCL violation: If a sample exceeds the MCL, a second sample must be collected from the same location within two weeks, or as soon as practical. If the average of the two results exceeds the MCL, then an MCL violation has occurred.
-
Action Level (not an MCL) measured
at-the-tap.
The data presented in this table were collected from sampling stations at the street curb. Forat-the-tap monitoring, see the Lead and Copper
Rule Sampling at Residential Water Taps table. - A Langelier Index of less than zero indicates corrosive tendencies.
- Hardness of up to 3 grains per gallon is considered soft water; between 3 and 9 is moderately hard water.
-
If iron and manganese are present, the total concentration of both should not exceed 500 µg/L. One exceedance of the iron MCL occurred at site
30150 (East Village, 10009) on 7/7/20 following an emergency shutdown of the water main. -
Only detected in one sample: lead was detected at site 11750 (City Island, 10464) on 6/2/20, nickel was detected at site 22950 (Clinton Hill, 11205) on 7/7/20, and
Bis(2-Ethylhexy)phthalate was detected at site 1SCL1 (Van Cortlandt Village,
10463) on 11/17/20 at the method reporting limit. In all other samples the parameter was not detected. -
NYSDOH established Optimal Water Quality
Parameters (OWQP) under the Lead and Copper
Rule which includes a range for pH and ortho- phosphate which are presented here. The reported average value for pH is the median value.
- Water containing more than 20 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on severely restricted sodium diets. Water containing more than 270 mg/L of sodium should not be used for drinking by people on moderately restricted sodium diets.
- Turbidity is a measure of cloudiness of the water. Turbidity is monitored because it is a good indicator of water quality, because high turbidity can hinder the effectiveness of disinfection, and because it is a good indicator of the effectiveness of our filtration system.
- This MCL for turbidity is the monthly average rounded off to the nearest whole number. Data presented are the range of individual sampling results and the highest monthly average from distribution sites.
- This MCL for turbidity is on individual readings taken every four hours at the unfiltered Catskill/
- This is a Treatment Technique performance standard for the Croton Filtration Plant. The value presented is the highest single combined filter effluent turbidity measurement which occurred on
-
Results for
t-Butyl alcohol are only reported as detected (D) or not detected (ND). - The MCLs for HAA5 and TTHMs are the calculated locational running annual average. The data
- If a sample and its repeat sample are both positive for coliform bacteria and one of the two samples is positive for E. coli, then an MCL violation has occurred.
- Samples are collected prior to final disinfection or filtration. Positive results indicate (oo)cyst detection, not viability or infectivity.
-
Chloroethane and
2,2-Dichloropropane were incorrectly reported as having been monitored for in 2015 to 2019 in those year's reports. Monitoring for these two parameters, prior to 2020, last occurred in 2014 when they were not detected.
Delaware source water entry point. Value presented is the highest individual sampling result.
11/25/20. In 2020, 100% of turbidity results were <0.3 NTU.
in the Range column are the minimum and maximum values of all sample sites monitored in the distribution system whether for compliance purposes or not. The values in the Average column are the highest locational running annual averages under the Stage 2 Disinfectant and Disinfection
2020 DRINKING WATER QUALITY TESTING RESULTS

17
HILLVIEW RESERVOIR CONSENT JUDGEMENT
The Hillview Reservoir is the final stop for drinking water from the Catskill/Delaware System before it enters the city’s distribution system. The City and DEP entered into a Consent Decree and Judgement with the United States and New York State, effective May 15, 2019, which sets forth a schedule of compliance for the City to cover the Hillview Reservoir as required by the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (40 C.F.R §141.714). DEP and the City timely complied with all scheduled commitments due under the Decree in 2020.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
(PWSID) NY7003493
NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Commissioner Vincent Sapienza, P.E. //
NEW YORK CITY WATER BOARD
Visit nyc.gov/waterboard for a list of upcoming meetings and information about opportunities to participate in decisions that affect water quality.
CONTAMINANTS QUESTIONS
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
CRYPTOSPORIDIUM AND GIARDIA QUESTIONS
DOHMH Bureau of Communicable Diseases //
CUSTOMER BILLING QUESTIONS
DEP Customer Service //
LEAD IN DRINKING WATER QUESTIONS
DEP Lead Unit //
HEALTH QUESTIONS (WATER
DOHMH // Call 311 or
REPORT UNUSUAL COLOR, TASTE OR ODOR OF DRINKING WATER Call 311 or
REPORT POLLUTION, CRIME, OR TERRORISM IN THE WATERSHED DEP Police and Security //
REQUEST ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THIS REPORT OR VIEW REPORT ONLINE Call 311 or
TTY SERVICES
Call
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT

18
This report contains important information about your drinking water. Translate it, or speak with someone who understands it.
Este reporte contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted toma. Haga que se la traduzcan o hable con alguien que la entienda.
Ce rapport contient des informations importantes sur votre eau potable.
Rapò sa a gen enfòmasyon ki enpòtan anpil sou dlo w’ap bwè a. Fè
Ten raport zawiera bardzo istotną informacje o twojej wodzie pitnej. Przetłumacz go albo porozmawiaj z kimś kto go rozumie.
-
этом материале содержится важная информация относительно вашей питьевой воды. Переведите его или поговорите с
кем-нибудь из тех, кто понимает его содержание.
這個報告中包含有關你的飲用水的重要信息 。請將此報告翻譯成你的語言 ,或者詢問懂得這份報 告的人 。
이 보고셔는 귀하의 식수에 관한 매우 중요한 정보를 포함하고 있습니다. 이 정보에 대해 이해하는 사람에 게 그 정보를 번역하거나 통역해 받으십시오.
. .
.
.
2020 DRINKING WATER SUPPLY AND QUALITY REPORT
VISIT US AT NYC.GOV/DEP • FOLLOW NYCWATER ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER
Contaminants
New York City System
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the New York Department of Health - Bureau of Public Water Supply Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 8958659
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 16
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Bromoform
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- 1%2C4-Dioxane
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Nitrate and nitrite
- Strontium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.
Sources and Resources
Sources Cited
Additional Resources
Current Weather in New York City
NEW YORK WEATHERSome of the Convenience Stores in New York

- Sunrise Mart æ¥æ¬local food
- New Rochelle APlus at Sunoco
- 7-Eleven
- Duane Reade
- Speedway Gas Station
- On the Run
- QuickChek
- Greenwich Village Farm
- West 82 Grocery Inc
- 99 Cents
Estimated Price of Bottled Water
Volume | USD | EUR | GBP |
1.5-liter | $2.30 | â¬2.06 | £1.84 |
500ml | $0.89 | â¬0.81 | £0.72 |