Is New York, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
New York City's tap water is generally safe to drink and meets federal standards. Recent EPA testing detected trace levels of PFAS compounds and lithium, but none exceeded regulatory limits or health-based guidelines. No ZIP code in the city showed readings above any guideline.
Where Does New York Get Its Water?
New York City's drinking water is surface water drawn primarily from an extensive upstate reservoir system in the Catskill and Delaware watersheds, as well as the Croton watershed to the north. The New York City water system, operated by the city's Department of Environmental Protection, is one of the largest municipal water systems in the country.
The Croton system feeds into filtration infrastructure that includes treatment facilities serving the city's tunnels and distribution network. Water reaches consumers through a series of major tunnels that move treated water into the five boroughs.
How Is New York Tap Water Treated?
New York City's water goes through several treatment steps before reaching your tap. These include dissolved air flotation, granular activated carbon filtration, and ultraviolet treatment, which together remove particles, organic compounds, and pathogens.
For disinfection, the system uses both free chlorine and chloramines, along with ultraviolet light at low doses. Chlorine and chloramines kill bacteria and viruses during distribution and help maintain water quality as it travels through hundreds of miles of pipes.
The combination of UV treatment and chemical disinfection is designed to meet federal standards for microbial safety while also addressing emerging contaminants such as PFAS through the activated carbon step.
What's in New York Tap Water?
The most widely detected substance in recent EPA testing was lithium, found at levels up to 9 micrograms per liter across all 284 ZIP codes sampled. There is no federal maximum for lithium in drinking water, and the detected level does not exceed any current EPA health-based guideline.
Several PFAS compounds were also detected. PFTrDA, a long-chain PFAS, was detected at up to 0.007 micrograms per liter. Two other PFAS substances, 11Cl-PF3OUdS and HFPO-DA, were each detected at up to 0.005 micrograms per liter. None of these readings exceeded EPA guidelines, and zero ZIP codes tested above any guideline threshold.
PFAS are a family of human-made chemicals used in industrial and consumer products for decades. They can enter water supplies through industrial discharge and runoff. The fact that any PFAS are detectable is why the city's treatment system includes granular activated carbon, which is designed to reduce these compounds.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| HFPO-DA | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for New York
None of the contaminants detected in New York City's tap water exceeded EPA limits or health-based guidelines as of the most recent sampling in May 2025. Lithium was found at up to 9 micrograms per liter, but EPA has not set an enforceable limit for lithium in drinking water. PFAS readings were at or below detection thresholds and below EPA benchmarks.
Infants, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are generally more sensitive to trace contaminants in drinking water. While current PFAS levels in New York City's water are below guidelines, this group may wish to take extra precautions, particularly given ongoing scientific review of PFAS health effects at low concentrations.
If you want additional protection, a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473 is effective at reducing PFAS. NSF/ANSI is an independent third-party certification program, so look for that label on the product box when shopping. A filter certified to NSF/ANSI 42 can also reduce chlorine taste and odor if that is your main concern.
The EPA is still actively studying PFAS health effects at low levels, and federal maximum limits for several PFAS compounds were finalized only recently. The science in this area continues to evolve, and current guidelines may be updated as research progresses.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about New York Tap Water
Is New York City tap water safe to drink?
Yes, New York City's tap water currently meets federal drinking water standards. Recent EPA testing found trace levels of PFAS compounds and lithium, but none exceeded EPA limits or health-based guidelines. All 284 ZIP codes sampled came in below any guideline threshold, making the overall picture one of compliance with no immediate safety concerns.
What contaminants are in New York City tap water?
Recent EPA testing detected lithium at up to 9 micrograms per liter, plus three PFAS compounds: PFTrDA at up to 0.007 micrograms per liter, and both 11Cl-PF3OUdS and HFPO-DA at up to 0.005 micrograms per liter each. None of these exceeded EPA guidelines. No ZIP code in the city tested above any health-based threshold.
Where does New York City get its drinking water?
New York City draws its water from surface reservoirs in the Catskill, Delaware, and Croton watersheds upstate. The New York City water system manages treatment and distribution across the five boroughs, moving treated water through a network of tunnels into the city.
Do I need a water filter in New York City?
The water meets current federal standards, so a filter is not required. However, if you want extra protection against the PFAS compounds detected, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 or NSF/ANSI P473. NSF/ANSI is an independent third-party label you can find on the product packaging. For chlorine taste, an NSF/ANSI 42-certified filter works well.
How often is New York City tap water tested?
New York City's water system is tested on an ongoing basis under EPA monitoring programs. The most recent samples in this dataset were collected as recently as May 2025. Federal rules require large utilities to test for dozens of contaminants on regular schedules, with results reported publicly each year in an annual Consumer Confidence Report.
What is the best water filter for New York City?
Given the PFAS detections and chlorine-based disinfection in New York City's water, a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) combined with NSF/ANSI P473 certification offers the broadest protection. If you prefer a simpler option, an NSF/ANSI 42-certified pitcher or faucet filter will reduce chlorine taste and odor effectively.
Tap water reports by ZIP in New York
- 10001 - Meatpacking District, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10002 - Lower East Side, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10003 - East Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10004 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10005 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10006 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10007 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10008 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10009 - Loisaida, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10010 - Kips Bay, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10011 - West Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10012 - NoLIta, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10013 - Little Italy, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10014 - West Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10016 - Kips Bay, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10017 - Kips Bay, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10018 - Chelsea, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10019 - Harsenville (historical), New York tap water report Some concern
- 10020 - Greenwich Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10021 - Roosevelt Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10022 - Roosevelt Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10023 - Harsenville (historical), New York tap water report Some concern
- 10024 - Upper West Side, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10025 - Morningside Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10026 - James Weldon Johnson Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10027 - Manhattanville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10028 - Franklin Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10029 - Taino Towers, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10030 - Delano Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10031 - Manhattanville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10032 - Washington Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10033 - Fort George, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10034 - Inwood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10035 - Taino Towers, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10036 - Chelsea, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10037 - Delano Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10038 - Hester - Allen Turnkey Housing, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10039 - Delano Village, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10040 - Fort George, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10041 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10043 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10044 - Roosevelt Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10045 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10055 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10060 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10065 - Roosevelt Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10069 - Harsenville (historical), New York tap water report Some concern
- 10075 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10080 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10081 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10087 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10090 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10101 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10102 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10103 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10104 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10105 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10106 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10107 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10108 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10109 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10110 - NoMad, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10111 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10112 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10113 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10114 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10115 - Manhattanville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10116 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10117 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10118 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10119 - Harsenville (historical), New York tap water report Some concern
- 10120 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10121 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10122 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10123 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10124 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10125 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10126 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10128 - Franklin Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10129 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10130 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10131 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10132 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10133 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10138 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10150 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10151 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10152 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10153 - Phipps Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10154 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10155 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10156 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10157 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10158 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10159 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10160 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10161 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10162 - Roosevelt Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10163 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10164 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10165 - NoMad, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10166 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10167 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10168 - NoMad, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10169 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10170 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10171 - Hell's Kitchen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10172 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10173 - NoMad, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10174 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10175 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10176 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10177 - Rose Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10178 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10179 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10185 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10199 - Meatpacking District, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10203 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10211 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10212 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10213 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10242 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10249 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10256 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10258 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10259 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10260 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10261 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10265 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10268 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10269 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10270 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10271 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10272 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10273 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10274 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10275 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10276 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10277 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10278 - SoHo, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10279 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10280 - Battery Park City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10281 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10282 - Hudson Square, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10285 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10286 - New York tap water report Some concern
- 10301 - Stapleton Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10302 - Elm Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10303 - Arlington, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10304 - Fox Hills, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10305 - Arrochar, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10306 - Oakwood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10307 - Tottenville Beach, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10308 - Great Kills, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10309 - Princes Bay, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10310 - Castleton Corners, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10311 - Travis, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10312 - Annadale, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10314 - Willowbrook, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10451 - Jackson Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10452 - High Bridge, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10453 - Morris Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10454 - Plaza Borinquen, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10455 - John Adams Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10456 - Daniel Webster Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10457 - Tremont, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10458 - Belmont, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10459 - Lewis S Davidson Senior Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10460 - West Farms, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10461 - Pelham Bay, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10462 - Westchester Square, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10463 - Spuyten Duyvil, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10464 - City Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10465 - Throgs Neck Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10466 - Wakefield, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10467 - Pelham Parkway Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10468 - Kings Bridge, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10469 - Baychester, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10470 - Wakefield, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10471 - Riverdale, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10472 - Bronxdale Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10473 - Clason Point, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10474 - Hunts Point, New York tap water report Some concern
- 10475 - Co-Op City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11101 - Blissville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11102 - Astoria, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11103 - Astoria Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11104 - Blissville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11106 - Astoria Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11109 - Blissville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11201 - Brooklyn Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11203 - Brownsville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11204 - Bath Beach, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11205 - Navy Yard, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11206 - Sumner Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11207 - Cypress Hills, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11208 - Cypress Hills, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11209 - Fort Hamilton, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11210 - Fiske Terrace, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11211 - Williamsburg, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11212 - Brownsville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11213 - Eastern Parkway, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11214 - Coney Island, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11215 - Park Slope, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11216 - Medgar Evers Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11217 - Boerum Hill, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11218 - Kensington, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11219 - Greenwood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11220 - Greenwood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11221 - Medgar Evers Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11222 - Greenpoint, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11223 - Gravesend, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11224 - Sea Gate, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11225 - Ebbets Field Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11226 - Prospect Park South, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11228 - Fort Hamilton, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11229 - Gerritsen Beach, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11230 - Fiske Terrace, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11231 - Carroll Gardens, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11232 - South Slope, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11233 - Weeksville, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11234 - Mill Basin, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11235 - Manhattan Beach, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11236 - Canarsie, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11237 - Wyckoff Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11238 - Ebbets Field Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11239 - Canarsie, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11249 - East Flatbush, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11354 - Malba, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11355 - Electchester, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11356 - Malba, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11357 - Beechhurst, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11358 - Bayside, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11359 - Beechhurst, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11360 - Beechhurst, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11361 - Little Neck, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11362 - Glen Oaks, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11363 - Glen Oaks, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11364 - Surrey Estates, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11365 - Electchester, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11366 - Electchester, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11367 - Kew Gardens Hills, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11368 - Lefrak City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11369 - North Beach, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11370 - Steinway, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11371 - Steinway, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11372 - North Corona, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11373 - Lefrak City, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11374 - Rego Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11375 - Rego Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11377 - Maspeth, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11378 - Old Germania Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11379 - Fresh Pond Junction, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11385 - Ridgewood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11411 - Cambria Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11413 - Meadowmere, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11414 - Howard Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11415 - Forest Hills Gardens, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11416 - Woodhaven, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11417 - Woodhaven, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11418 - Forest Hills Gardens, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11419 - South Ozone Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11420 - South Ozone Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11421 - Woodhaven, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11422 - Rosedale, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11423 - Holliswood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11424 - Howard Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11426 - Glen Oaks, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11427 - Surrey Estates, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11428 - Surrey Estates, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11429 - Cambria Heights, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11430 - Meadowmere, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11432 - Cedar Manor, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11433 - Cedar Manor, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11434 - Locust Manor, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11435 - Briarwood, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11436 - Cedar Manor Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11439 - Pomonok, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11451 - Howard Park, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11691 - Wave Crest, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11692 - Edgemere Houses, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11693 - Broad Channel, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11694 - Belle Harbor, New York tap water report Some concern
- 11697 - Rockaway Point, New York tap water report Some concern
Water utilities serving New York, NY
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- WA OF WESTERN NASSAUAction advised
- NEW YORK CITY SYSTEMSome concern
- FALL CREEK MHPNo recent federal sampling
- GOLDEN ACRES OWNER LLCNo recent federal sampling
- PINE HAVEN MOBILE COURTNo recent federal sampling
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