Can You Drink Tap Water in NYC? (2025)
Go Back To Previous PageYes, NYC tap water is safe to drink. New York City has some of the cleanest tap water for drinking in the United States. However, it is not vegan and remains unfiltered, meaning that certain chemicals and foreign substances may still be present.
This article examines the safety and quality of NYC tap water, compares it to bottled water. We explain the city’s water system and detail the contents of the water. It also addresses concerns about contaminants. Read on to learn more about whether NYC tap water is safe for you to drink and what steps you can take if you have any concerns.
Can You Drink Tap Water in NYC?
Yes, you can drink New York City tap water without worrying about getting sick. In fact, it is considered some of the cleanest water available in any major U.S. city. Unless you have a specific allergy or dietary restriction related to the additives used to treat the water, you should not experience any health issues from drinking NYC tap water.
If you want to take extra precautions against contamination, consider investing in a water filtration system or a pitcher to keep in your refrigerator. This will help ensure that the water you consume is pure and free from unwanted substances or flavors. Alternatively, you can purchase bottled water.
NYC Water Quality vs. Bottled Water
New York City tap water is considered some of the best in the country and is comparable in quality to many bottled waters. The main difference lies in regulation: the FDA oversees
bottled water, while the EPA regulates tap water. Both agencies enforce strict standards for water purity.
Interestingly, some bottled waters originate from the same sources as tap water. Although the mineral content and water treatment processes may vary slightly, both tap and bottled water are safe to drink. Purchasing bottled water can be expensive and contribute significantly to plastic waste.
Therefore, even though bottled water may seem convenient, it is unnecessary since NYC tap water is perfectly safe to consume.
How Does the NYC Water System Work?
New York City has the most extensive unfiltered water system in the country, ranking among the best public water systems in the United States. Other cities with notable systems include Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Each year, the Department of Environmental Protection conducts between 500,000 and 600,000 health and quality tests on NYC’s drinking water to ensure it meets its strict standards.
The New York Watershed provides clean drinking water to the five boroughs, as well as Westchester, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties. Most of New York’s water is sourced from the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds. The water from these facilities is so clean that it does not need filtering by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). However, it is important to note that it may not be entirely pure by the time it reaches your glass.
What Is in NYC Drinking Water?
New York City’s drinking water is unfiltered, but treated with chemicals that can affect its taste and composition. The treatment process includes the use of chlorine, fluoride, and sodium hydroxide, as well as UV light, to ensure the water is safe to drink.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) closely regulates the treatment process to ensure that none of the chemicals used are harmful to health or likely to cause long-term effects. However, if you have a sensitivity to any of these substances, it is important to be aware of their presence in NYC’s drinking water.
NYC Tap Water is Not Vegan
New York City water is not considered vegan because it contains tiny microscopic organisms known as copepods. These microscopic shrimp are harmless to ingest and feed on mosquito larvae that thrive in standing water. Copepods serve as a biological control mechanism to reduce potential mosquito breeding sites, making the water cleaner and improving its taste.
However, the presence of copepods also means that NYC tap water is technically not kosher, which has raised concerns within the city’s Orthodox Jewish community.
It May Contain Unwanted Contaminants From Old Piping
New York City is home to some of the oldest buildings in any major U.S. city, which can lead to contaminants from aging pipes entering the water supply. Landlords and property managers are responsible for maintaining certain standards to ensure that the plumbing is safe and the drinking water remains clean.
However, even with these regulations, unwanted materials can still compromise the drinking water, especially in older buildings.
Bottom Line
New York City tap water is considered one of the cleanest and safest in the country. It undergoes rigorous testing treated with chemicals, such as chlorine and fluoride, to ensure its safety. Although it may contain microscopic organisms and could pick up contaminants from old pipes, these are generally not harmful to humans. 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.
