Water Control

NYC Water Control

NYC Water Control Program

At NYCWatercontrol.org, we bring trusted water research and express testing services to every home in the Greater New York area. Stay informed about water quality, explore the latest studies, and take action to protect your family's health.

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Reports Published on NYC Tap Water Safety

Welcome to NYC Water Control

Not Just Cleaner Water,
But a Safer Water Future.

The health of our communities begins with the quality of our water. At NYC Water Control, we monitor, analyze, and raise awareness to protect what matters most — your tap.

Our mission is to safeguard public health by providing reliable, research-backed information about drinking water in New York City and beyond. Through scientific studies, government data, and local testing, we help residents stay informed and take action.

On behalf of our entire team, welcome to NYCWatercontrol.org — a public resource dedicated to water quality transparency. We’re here to help you understand what’s in your water and what you can do about it.

Explore Our Research

Limited-Time FREE Water Filtration Access

A limited number of professional water filtration systems are now available to help New York residents protect their households from harmful contaminants.

This special program offers advanced filtration solutions designed to improve the safety and quality of your tap water.

Act promptly — supplies are limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Water Filtration— New York Only

Water quality monitoring in New York

What We Do

We collect and analyze water quality data from New York City’s public water systems and private buildings.

Our goal is to help you understand what’s in your tap water — and what you can do about it.

Citywide water testing

Independent sampling across all boroughs to detect harmful contaminants.

Standards-based analysis

Every result checked against EPA rules and leading health guidelines.

Public-facing reporting

Clear summaries, maps, and alerts that anyone can understand.

Everyday safety tips

Practical steps you can take to reduce exposure at home.

Community outreach

Workshops, school visits, and local partnerships for water equity.

Smart tools for insight

Data visualizations and AI models to track pollution trends in real time.

Water Is Life — Protect Yours

Why You Should Care About the Quality of Your Drinking Water

Contaminated water can cause long-term health issues — often without any warning signs.

7%

Increased cancer risk

Long-term exposure to arsenic and other carcinogens in water is linked to higher rates of bladder, lung, and skin cancer.

1 in 4

Children affected by lead

Lead exposure through tap water is still a serious threat, especially in older buildings and schools.

10x

Higher risk of gastrointestinal illness

Poor water quality is associated with significantly higher rates of infections, especially in immunocompromised individuals.

13%

Preterm births linked to nitrate exposure

Studies show elevated nitrate levels in water are associated with increased risks in pregnancy.

*Data based on findings from the EPA, CDC, WHO, and peer-reviewed studies on water-related health risks.*

Key Signs of Water Problems

Is Something Wrong With Your Water?

Key Warning Signs Every New Yorker Should Know

While NYC’s water quality meets federal standards, aging infrastructure and environmental factors can sometimes affect your tap. Learn to identify these red flags:

Visible Indicators Taste & Smell Clues Physical Symptoms

Cloudiness that doesn't clear after 1 minute
Discoloration: Yellow/brown tints (iron/rust) or blue-green hues (copper corrosion)
Sediment in sinks/toilets, especially after pipe repairs
White scaling on appliances (hard water minerals)

Metallic aftertaste (corroding pipes)
Bleach-like odor (high chlorine levels)
Rotten eggs smell (sulfur bacteria)
Earth/mustiness (algae/organic matter)

Skin irritation after showering (pH imbalance)
Unexplained GI issues (bacterial contamination)
Dark tooth stains (excess manganese)
Spotty laundry (iron/manganese deposits)

Simple Steps to Protect Your Household

Your Water Safety Plan

Access to clean, safe drinking water starts at home. Here are practical, evidence-based steps every New Yorker can take to reduce exposure to potential contaminants:

1. Check Your Water Quality Report

Review your annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what’s in your tap water.

2. Use a Certified Water Filter

Choose a filter that targets specific contaminants found in your local supply.

3. Flush Taps Before Use

Run your tap for 30–60 seconds each morning to reduce potential buildup from pipes.

4. Use Cold Water for Cooking & Drinking

Hot water can carry more contaminants—always start with cold tap water.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I test my NYC tap water?

We recommend annual testing for lead in older buildings and immediate testing if water changes color, taste, or odor. Free test kits are available through our program.

2. What are the most common contaminants in NYC water?

Our monitoring focuses on lead from aging pipes, chlorine byproducts from treatment, and emerging threats like PFAS chemicals. Each borough faces unique challenges.