How clean is New York's water really?

The tap water famed for its New York flavor has resurfaced after an independent laboratory test. A sample taken from a drinking fountain in New York City Hall (City Hall) revealed low levels of lead, while the absence of PFAS substances known as "endless chemicals" made the test a positive result.

Sample Taken from Fountain at City Hall

Under a study commissioned by the New York Post, a water sample was taken from a drinking fountain on the basement floor of Manhattan’s City Hall building in July and sent to the laboratory.

The test found lead at 1.13 ppb in the sample. While the measured amount is well below current federal regulatory thresholds, experts emphasize the importance of keeping lead exposure as low as possible, especially for children.

The Source of Lead May Not Be the City Water System

The test result does not mean that the same amount of lead is present in tap water across New York. According to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), water supplied to the city from northern water basins is almost lead-free.

Lead can sometimes enter the water due to old service lines, pipes inside the building, solder, fittings, and faucets. Therefore, it is possible for different results to emerge from measurements taken in the same city, even in different buildings.

Officials also note that there is no lead in the approximately 7,000‑mile pipeline used in New York's main water distribution system.

The 'Infinite Chemicals' Didn't Show Up

The lab test's notable positive result, however, was related to PFAS substances.

Because they can remain in the environment for long periods, the PFAS group of substances, called 'forever chemicals' or 'infinite chemicals' in the public, is at the center of various health and environmental discussions.

It was reported that the PFAS substances tested in a sample taken from the faucet at City Hall were not found at detectable levels.

A Single Test Does Not Represent All of New York

There is an important detail regarding the scope of the study. The laboratory result is based on a sample taken from a specific drinking fountain in City Hall. Therefore, the results cannot be directly generalized to all faucets used by millions of people in New York or to the city's overall water network.

The amount of lead in the water can vary depending on many factors such as the building's age, the plumbing system, the fixtures used, and how long the water sits in the pipes.

In New York, Hundreds of Thousands of Tests Are Conducted Each Year

The New York administration states that the drinking water distributed in the city is safe while emphasizing that water quality is continuously monitored. It is noted that more than 600,000 tests are carried out in the city's water system each year.

New Yorkers can also take advantage of the free lead testing program offered by the city if they suspect their building's plumbing or tap water.

While the sample taken from the fountain at City Hall sparked a new debate about New York's famed tap water, the test revealed trace amounts of lead on one hand, and on the other, it offered a positive picture by not detecting any PFAS substances.