New York City Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
New York City tap water meets EPA standards, though there are a few things worth knowing. At just 25 ppm (1.5 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. No violations have been recorded in the past 3 years.
Generally Safe
Minor compliance issues
1.5 GPG hardness
Lead
Lead data not available
Hardness
Soft water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is New York City Tap Water Safe to Drink?
New York City tap water meets EPA health standards, with some contaminants worth monitoring.
8 contaminants were tested in New York City's water. 6 were detected — all within EPA limits.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 48 ppb — 80% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. According to the EPA, long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies have linked them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Barium at 0.01 ppm (1% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Fluoride at 0.7 ppm (32% of EPA limit).
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — No PFAS "forever chemicals" were detected in available test data.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 0 people in the New York City area.
Based on publicly available data from NYC 2024 Drinking Water Supply and Quality Report (2024). Water quality can vary by location, building plumbing, and over time. This assessment reflects compliance with federal EPA standards and is not medical advice.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Disinfection byproducts are elevated (above 75% of EPA limits). A carbon filter can help reduce these.
How New York City Compares
Compared to 51 major US cities based on 2024 Consumer Confidence Report data
Lead (90th percentile)
National avg: 2.85 ppb
10 ppb
251% above average
Water Hardness
National avg: 127.2 ppm
25 ppm
80% softer than average
PFAS Contamination
Detected in 33% of major US cities
Not Detected
67% of cities are PFAS-free
How Hard is New York City Water?
25 ppm
1.5 grains per gallon
Soft water requires no treatment and is gentle on skin and appliances.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Great for skin & hair
Kitchen
No water spots
Laundry
Clothes stay soft
Appliances
No scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Want to verify your home's exact hardness level? See our best water hardness test kits.
Range: 16–90 ppm
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your New York City tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in New York City
Lead Test Results
Lead testing data is currently unavailable for New York City. Contact your local water utility for the most recent test results.
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
According to the EPA, lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb and states there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
According to the CDC: developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
According to the EPA: high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
No PFAS detected in available test data
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. No PFAS were detected in available test data.
Chlorine Free
13% of EPA limit
Range: 0–1.6 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
8 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
0.7 ppm Range: 0-0.8 NYSDOH MCL 2.2 ppm | 2.2 ppm Goal: 4 ppm | Safe 32% of limit | |
Nitrate (as N) | 0.1 ppm Range: 0.03-0.31 | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 1% of limit |
Barium | 0.01 ppm Range: 0.01-0.03 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 1% of limit |
48 ppb Range: 5-64 LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 60% of limit | |
48 ppb Range: 6-71 LRAA - 80% of MCL | 60 ppb | Caution 80% of limit | |
Chlorine Free | 0.5 ppm Range: 0-1.6 | 4 ppm | Safe 13% of limit |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/16 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe | |
0 ppt Range: 0-0 ND - UCMR5 - 0/16 samples detected | 4 ppt 0 | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Excellent Record
No violations in past 3 yearsThis utility has maintained full EPA compliance. No action needed, but regular home testing is still recommended.
3-Year Violation Summary
0
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
0
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels. The EPA recommends considering certified filtration.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides New York City's Water?
Utility Name
New York City Department of Environmental Protection
EPA System ID (PWSID)
NY7003549
Population Served
0
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about New York City tap water quality
Nearby Cities in NY
New York (c)
Moderate water
Huntington (t)
Soft water
Riverhead (t)
Soft water
Smithtown (t)
Soft water
Southampton (t)
Soft water
Babylon (t)
Soft water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: NYC 2024 Drinking Water Supply and Quality Report (2024) • View report