What NYC Residents Should Know
New York City's drinking water is sourced primarily from the Catskill/Delaware and Croton watersheds, which are among the most pristine in the world. The water supply system is one of the largest in the country, delivering approximately 1 billion gallons of water daily to more than 8.8 million residents.
While NYC's water meets all federal and state standards at the source and treatment facilities, the main concern is contamination that can occur after water enters the city's aging distribution system, particularly from lead service lines and old plumbing fixtures in buildings constructed before 1986.
Recent testing has found elevated lead levels in some older buildings across all five boroughs, with higher concentrations in pre-war buildings that have not undergone plumbing upgrades. Additionally, occasional detection of disinfection byproducts and emerging contaminants like PFAS have been reported in some areas of the distribution system.
Key Contaminants Found
These contaminants have been detected in NYC's water supply at levels that may be concerning for some residents.
Lead
Exceeds in Some AreasSource: Lead service lines, lead solder in plumbing, and older fixtures and faucets (especially in pre-1986 buildings)
Health Effects: Developmental delays in children, learning disabilities, reduced IQ, kidney problems, high blood pressure in adults
NYC Levels: Average 6.8 ppb (90th percentile), with 9% of samples exceeding the EPA action level of 15 ppb
EPA Limit: Action level 15 ppb, but no safe level exists
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
Near LimitSource: Industrial discharges, firefighting foam, consumer products (can enter watershed)
Health Effects: Increased cholesterol, changes in liver function, decreased vaccine response in children, increased risk of certain cancers
NYC Levels: 3.8 ppt (combined PFOA and PFOS), detected in some areas
EPA Limit: 4 ppt for PFOA and PFOS
Haloacetic Acids (HAAs)
Near LimitSource: Byproducts formed when chlorine used to disinfect water reacts with organic matter
Health Effects: Potential increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure, reproductive and developmental effects
NYC Levels: 42 ppb on average, with higher levels in some outer borough areas
EPA Limit: 60 ppb
Pharmaceuticals
Low LevelsSource: Medication residues and personal care products that enter the watershed
Health Effects: Largely unknown at current detected concentrations, potential endocrine disruption
NYC Levels: Trace amounts detected in some samples
EPA Limit: Not currently regulated
Borough & Neighborhood Variations
Water quality can vary significantly across New York City's five boroughs, primarily due to differences in building age, pipe materials, and infrastructure maintenance.
High-Risk Areas by Borough
| Borough/Neighborhood | Risk Level | Average Lead (ppb) | Buildings Pre-1986 | Lead Service Lines |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklyn - Bedford-Stuyvesant | High | 10.2 | 82% | Very High |
| Manhattan - East Harlem | High | 9.6 | 79% | Very High |
| Bronx - Morrisania | High | 8.8 | 77% | High |
| Queens - Jackson Heights | Medium | 6.5 | 65% | Medium |
| Staten Island - St. George | Medium | 5.9 | 61% | Medium |
| Manhattan - Battery Park City | Low | 2.1 | 8% | Very Low |
Data based on NYC Department of Environmental Protection sampling and U.S. Census housing statistics.
Recommended Action Steps
Based on New York City's water quality data, we recommend these actions to protect yourself and your family.
Test Your Water
Request a free water testing kit from the NYC Department of Environmental Protection or use a certified laboratory to test your home's water for lead and other contaminants.
Run Your Tap Before Use
If your water has been sitting for several hours, run cold water for at least 30 seconds or until it becomes cold before using it for drinking or cooking. For buildings with lead service lines, run water for 3-5 minutes.
Use Cold Water for Drinking and Cooking
Always use cold water for drinking, cooking, and preparing baby formula. Hot water dissolves lead and other contaminants more quickly than cold water and contains higher levels.
Install a Water Filter
Use a water filter certified to remove lead (NSF/ANSI Standard 53) if you live in a pre-1986 building or if lead is detected in your water. Replace filter cartridges according to manufacturer recommendations.
Check Building Records
If you live in an apartment building, ask your building management about the building's plumbing materials and any water quality testing that has been done. You can also check the NYC Lead Free map to see if your building likely has lead service lines.
Check NYC Lead Free MapApply for Lead Service Line Replacement
If you own a property with lead service lines, you may be eligible for NYC's Lead Service Line Replacement Program, which provides assistance to replace lead service lines in priority neighborhoods.
Program DetailsWant to know your personal water quality risk?
Answer a few quick questions about your home and get a personalized water quality assessment and action plan.
Take the Assessment