New York City water solutions

Yes, New York City tap water is widely regarded as some of the cleanest and safest in the country. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) ensures the water meets or exceeds all federal and state water quality standards, conducting over 500,000 tests per year on the water supply.

Many businesses, especially in food service, hospitality, and office environments, rely on NYC tap water due to its exceptional quality. It’s also used by restaurants in brewing coffee, making beverages, and even in cooking. However, if your building has outdated plumbing or pipes, it’s wise to install a point-of-use filtration system to enhance taste and safety. Installing a water filtration system can improve the quality and taste of your tap water, benefitting overall employee satisfaction and wellness.

No, New York City has soft water, with very low levels of calcium and magnesium, the minerals that contribute to water hardness. NYC’s water is drawn from protected reservoirs and treated to maintain its excellent quality.

Benefits for businesses include:

• Less scale buildup in plumbing systems and appliances like dishwashers and water heaters
• Improved taste and clarity in beverages and food preparation
• Reduced maintenance costs for water-using equipment

Since NYC water is soft, businesses generally experience fewer issues with mineral deposits, leading to lower energy bills and longer appliance lifespans.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a growing concern across the U.S. However, New York City’s water supply currently has non-detectable or very low levels of PFAS. The NYC DEP conducts regular testing and publishes reports on water quality, ensuring that contaminants like PFAS remain well below the EPA’s advisory limits.

For businesses in sensitive industries such as healthcare or food service, it may still be wise to consider additional filtration systems to further reduce PFAS exposure.

Consider NSF-certified water filters that address emerging contaminants like PFAS if your business is located near industrial areas or has concerns about long-term exposure.

No, New York City’s tap water does not contain significant levels of lead. The water supplied by NYC is treated and tested for lead and other contaminants. Lead service lines were banned in the 1960s, and the city has been proactively replacing old infrastructure to maintain water safety.

That said, lead can still be present in older buildings’ plumbing, particularly in lead pipes or lead-soldered joints. If your business is located in an older building, it’s wise to have the water tested and consider installing a filtration system to address any potential concerns.

Regular water testing in commercial properties with older plumbing can help ensure that employees and customers are drinking safe water.