New York City’s water is celebrated for its taste, yet recent findings reveal both positive and negative aspects of its content.
The Post conducted a study on water from a public fountain at City Hall, discovering trace levels of lead, but no trace of harmful plastic “forever chemicals.”
A sample taken from a drinking fountain in City Hall’s basement in July showed 1.13 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, equating to a minuscule amount akin to a drop in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
Although the lead amount is small and within legal limits, Dr. Eric Roy, a water science expert, emphasizes that any lead presence is concerning.
Roy, the Head of Science at Culligan, which tested the water, explained, “You have great water from the Catskills, but the old lead pipe infrastructure means it can pick up lead along the way, which is a real issue.”
The 1.13 ppb lead level is below New York City’s legal limit of 15 ppb, set to be reduced to 10 ppb in 2027. However, Roy believes this level is still too high for health safety.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum lead level of 1 ppb, while the EPA sets a goal of 0 ppb, indicating no safe exposure level.
Lead exposure can lead to lower IQ, hyperactivity, cognitive issues, anemia, cardiovascular problems, decreased kidney function, and reproductive issues.
Roy noted, “Children and those planning to have children are more vulnerable to lead. While 1.13 ppb is legal, it should raise concerns about household lead levels.”
The lead in the water comes from pipes, not the source, meaning contamination levels can vary between homes.
The test also found no detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), industrial toxins often found in plastics.
Attorney General Letitia James recently filed lawsuits against manufacturers for allegedly using harmful PFAS in products that enter drinking supplies.
Roy remarked on the PFAS findings, “We tested for PFAS, and the sample was clean, which is positive,” but cautioned that results represent just a single point in time.
“Water testing offers a snapshot, and some New Yorkers have detected PFAS in their water, though this sample did not,” Roy explained.
Roy warned that results from any water test, including for lead, reflect a specific moment and don’t prove the absence of forever chemicals, especially since the water comes from 22 sources.
“Rainfall can dilute contaminants, much like food coloring in a bowl,” Roy noted, emphasizing variability in testing results.
New York City faces a significant lead issue, with some homes reporting levels as high as 155 ppb in 2025, according to a city investigation citing “corrosion of household plumbing.”
Older buildings, predating the 1986 Safe Drinking Water Act that banned toxic solder, are more likely to have lead in tap water.
There are approximately 121,100 known lead or galvanized private service lines citywide, which the Department of Environmental Protection is gradually replacing with state funding. About 800 lines have been replaced so far.
City Hall, like all city-owned buildings, connects to a non-lead service line, leaving the source of lead a mystery.
“While New York City’s drinking water is delivered lead-free, lead exposure can occur through private service lines or internal plumbing,” a City Hall spokesperson said.
“New York City uses orthophosphate to create a protective coating inside pipes to prevent lead contamination. Concerned residents can call 311 for a free lead test kit.”
The city informed The Post that the lead level detected does not require a response, noting that a 5-ppb result would prompt action.
“This 1.13 ppb lead result is about nine times lower than the federal action level,” the city DEP stated.
“DEP continuously monitors water in the distribution system and its source reservoirs and feeder streams.”
The City Hall water also contained aluminum, copper, and zinc, which only affect taste and color.
Lead contamination can be resolved by replacing pipes, and both lead and PFAS can be addressed with at-home filtration systems.
