New York Water Quality Reports
Comprehensive water quality reports for major cities in New York. Access Consumer Confidence Reports, contaminant data, EPA compliance information, and historical trends for water systems across the state.
New York Water Quality Overview
Water Sources
New York City relies on protected watershed reservoirs in the Catskill and Delaware regions, providing unfiltered surface water. Upstate cities use the Great Lakes and Finger Lakes. Long Island depends on groundwater from the Long Island aquifer system.
Treatment Infrastructure
NYC uses UV disinfection and chlorination for its unfiltered supply. Other cities employ conventional filtration and advanced treatment. The state has invested heavily in watershed protection and infrastructure upgrades.
Key Statistics
Common Contaminants in New York
Disinfection Byproducts (TTHMs/HAA5/HAA9)
Common in surface water systems, particularly where organic matter is present. NYC monitors for both regulated and unregulated HAAs to protect public health.
Lead
Present in older buildings with lead service lines or plumbing, particularly in NYC and Buffalo. Enhanced corrosion control has reduced lead levels significantly.
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
Found near military bases, airports, and industrial sites. Long Island groundwater particularly affected. State has aggressive PFAS monitoring program.
1,4-Dioxane
Industrial solvent contaminant found on Long Island and in some upstate areas. NY was first state to set drinking water standard for this emerging contaminant.
Nitrates
Agricultural runoff affects some rural areas and parts of Long Island where groundwater is vulnerable to contamination from fertilizers.
New York-Specific Regulations
New York has some of the strictest water quality regulations in the nation, often exceeding federal EPA requirements:
1,4-Dioxane Standard
First state in nation to set drinking water standard for 1,4-dioxane at 1 ppb, addressing industrial contamination on Long Island.
PFOA/PFOS Regulation
Established Maximum Contaminant Levels of 10 ppt for PFOA and PFOS, among the strictest PFAS standards in the country.
Watershed Protection
NYC operates under EPA Surface Water Treatment Rule Filtration Avoidance, maintaining strict watershed protection to keep water quality high without filtration.
Top 10 Cities - Water Quality Reports
Click any city to view detailed water quality report and Consumer Confidence Report
Historical Water Quality Trends
2020-2024 Improvements
- Implemented nation-leading PFAS and 1,4-dioxane standards and treatment
- Accelerated lead service line replacement programs in NYC and other cities
- Enhanced UV disinfection at NYC facilities for additional pathogen protection
- Improved HAA9 monitoring beyond federal requirements
Ongoing Challenges
- Aging water mains and lead service lines in older cities require costly replacement
- Long Island groundwater contamination from historical industrial activities
- Climate change threatening NYC watershed with increased turbidity and algae
- Small upstate systems face financial challenges for compliance and upgrades
New York Water Quality Agency Contact
New York State Department of Health
Bureau of Water Supply Protection
Flanigan Square
547 River Street, Troy, NY 12180
Contact Information
Phone: (518) 402-7650
Email: water@health.ny.gov
Website: health.ny.gov/environmental/water
EPA Region 2 (NY, NJ, PR, VI)
290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007
Phone: (212) 637-3000 | Toll-free: (877) 251-4575
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my New York city water quality report?
Select your city from the list above to view its detailed water quality report. Each report includes contaminant levels, source water information, treatment methods, and links to official Consumer Confidence Reports from your local water utility.
What are common water quality issues in New York?
New York water systems commonly monitor for disinfection byproducts (TTHMs and HAA5), lead, PFAS, HAA9, and emerging contaminants. Aging infrastructure and watershed protection are major concerns.
Who regulates water quality in New York?
Water quality in New York is regulated by the New York State Department of Health and NYC Department of Environmental Protection, working in conjunction with the federal EPA.