New York Water Quality Facts and Drinking Water Problems

The state of New York brings in more than 1 billion gallons of freshwater from large upstate reservoirs each day – some of which are more than 125 miles from the city. The water is purified and sent to the taps of 9 million people throughout the state.

New York’s drinking water travels a long way from the reservoirs to the taps of homes and businesses. As it travels, water encounters and absorbs minerals like calcium and magnesium, making the water hard and contributing to water quality issues like limescale buildup, dry skin and dull hair, and discolored water.