Is New York, NY Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
72.2/100
waterverge.com New York, NY — Water Quality Report
New York's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 655 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 55 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about New York's water
New York ranks #686 out of 855 cities in New York for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New York relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, New York may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New York, NY water safe to drink?
New York's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 655 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New York
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New York's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New York's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
New York's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does New York's water come from?
New York's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 655 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Bronx River (river), Hudson River (river), Ohrback Lake (lake), Richmond Creek (river), Clove Lake (lake).
What New York residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New York's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of New York
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New York, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPRAGUE BRONX TERMINAL BRONX, NY10454 | 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene | 3 | 9.8 mi |
UNITED METRO ENERGY CORP. BROOKLYN, NY11222 | Toluene | 1 | 4.9 mi |
ALLIED NEW YORK SERVICES INC . JAMAICA, NY11430 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
CONSOLIDATED EDISON CO OF NEW YORK - EAST RIVER FACILITY MANHATTAN, NY10009 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
RAVENSWOOD GENERATING STATION LONG ISLAND CITY, NY11101 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of New York
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- WOLFF ALPORT CHEMICAL COMPANY2.8 mi
- GOWANUS CANAL2.9 mi
- NEWTOWN CREEK3.6 mi
- MEEKER AVENUE PLUME4.3 mi
- PJP LANDFILL9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New York's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 110.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 110.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how New York compares by contaminant
Explore where New York ranks among all New York cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New York's water comes from
New York's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 655 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New York
New York is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New York
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUBURBANS COMMUNITY MHP | OH4901612 | 655 | GW |
How New York compares
Full New York rankings →New York's score of 72.2/100 is on par with the average of 74/100 among major New York cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View New York rankings →About New York, NY
Wikipedia →New York, often called New York City (NYC), is the most populous city in the United States. It is located at the southern tip of New York State on New York Harbor, one of the world's largest natural harbors. The city comprises five boroughs, each coextensive with its respective county. It is the geographical and demographic center of both the Northeast megalopolis and the New York metropolitan area, the largest metropolitan area in the United States by both population and urban area. New York is a global center of finance and commerce, culture, technology, entertainment and media, academics and scientific output, the arts and fashion, and, as home to the headquarters of the United Nations, international diplomacy.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New York's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Madison
Frequently asked questions
Is New York, NY tap water safe to drink?
New York's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #686 out of 855 cities tested in New York.
What contaminants are in New York's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is New York's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in New York?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New York's water come from?
New York's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 655 residents.
What health violations has New York's water system had?
New York has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is New York's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New York uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 55 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does New York's water compare to other cities?
New York ranks #686 out of 855 cities in New York (better than 20% of state cities) and #10427 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New York's small water system affect quality?
New York's system serves approximately 655 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 55 violations on record.