New York City tap water has earned a nickname: “tap water champagne.” It’s considered exceptionally clean, so much so that NYC is among the few major US cities that don’t rely on filtration.
For those who drink from the tap, it’s hard not to think it tastes good. People even say it contributes to the quality of NYC bagels, which is quite a claim.
Recently, I was given a chance to use a water testing kit at home. This allowed for checking for various contaminants like lead, copper, arsenic, and those pesky “forever chemicals.” Seriously, what’s the deal with those?
Eternal Chemical Testing
Collecting samples in my Manhattan apartment was straightforward. There were two tests: one for general contaminants and another specifically for PFA, often called “forever chemicals.”
Earlier this year, studies revealed that around 97 million Americans might encounter these chemicals via tap water.
PFA exposure has been linked to several health issues, including reproductive problems and even an increased cancer risk. Yikes.
And here’s the kicker: New Yorkers, despite their pristine water, aren’t entirely in the clear.
We detected a compound known as perfluorobutanoic acid at 2.2 parts per trillion, which exceeds the Environmental Working Group’s recommended limit of 1 trillion parts. The EPA hasn’t set any standards on PFA yet.
So, are the results really alarming?
In the end, it might not be as dire as it sounds. The testing, which included checking 55 PFA compounds, showed that while PFBA was found, the levels were quite low. An expert remarked that the local government is doing a commendable job in managing water quality.
However, it’s still smart to consider getting a PFA filtration system depending on personal comfort with the findings.
“If it were my home, I’d definitely want to take precautions,” one analyst noted.
These forever chemicals are also prevalent in various everyday products, from cookware to cosmetics. Researchers are trying to figure out how to reduce exposure, but it’s a slow process.
It’s important to keep in mind that this test reflects just a single moment in time; so, water quality can ebb and flow throughout the year.
According to Dr. Eric Roy, who oversees testing, New York City does a commendable job with a variety of tests.
They found another eternal chemical, PFOA, present at approximately 2.1 parts per trillion, which, though slightly higher than recommended, isn’t overly concerning. Testing again in a few months might yield different results.
What else is in the water?
While the focus has been on those eternal chemicals, there’s more to consider when it comes to what comes from the faucet. Fortunately, the tests showed good news in that regard.
Out of 42 contaminants tested, none exceeded national standards. Even better, many were below detection levels, including substances like lead, copper, and arsenic.
The overall results are quite positive, with levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium well within safe limits. Experts are even impressed, claiming NYC water is notably superior to many others.
Regarding lead measurements…
Dr. Roy reiterated that this was merely a snapshot. A recent report highlighted that around 21% of NYC residents could potentially receive drinking water contaminated with lead due to old service lines.
Even minimal lead exposure can lead to serious health effects—neurological, reproductive issues, and more for adults, while kids can face significant developmental challenges.
There’s a possibility for contamination throughout the water’s journey. NYC’s source water, which comes from various basins, doesn’t inherently contain lead, but issues can arise from old service lines and plumbing.
For apartment dwellers, options are limited, but an expert did share a quick tip:
In the morning, it’s a good practice to let the tap run for about 30 seconds before using the water. “Water sitting in pipes can accumulate contaminants, especially lead,” she explained.
