The pH value of New York City tap water is slightly alkaline, ranging around 7.2. This pH level is close to neutral, meaning it is neither acidic nor basic. The slightly alkaline nature of New York City tap water can be beneficial for baking, as it strengthens the gluten in dough, making it better for baking bread and pastries.
Understanding the Water Supply System in New York City
The New York City drinking water supply and quality report 2021 highlights the rigorous testing and monitoring of the city’s water supply system, ensuring excellent water quality throughout the city. The water supply system is composed of two primary surface water supplies, the Catskill/Delaware and Croton, which provide more than one billion gallons of safe drinking water daily to over 9.8 million residents in New York City and the surrounding counties.
Contaminants in New York City Tap Water
Image source: OpenStax College
While New York City tap water is generally safe to consume, there are specific contaminants and substances present in the water. The EWG Tap Water Database lists the following contaminants detected in New York City tap water:
| Contaminant | Detected |
|---|---|
| Bromodichloromethane | Yes |
| Bromoform | Yes |
| Chloroform | Yes |
| Chromium (hexavalent) | Yes |
| Dibromochloromethane | Yes |
| Dichloroacetic acid | Yes |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5 and HAA9) | Yes |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | Yes |
| Trichloroacetic acid | Yes |
| 1,4-dioxane | Yes |
| Chlorate | Yes |
| Chromium (total) | Yes |
| Manganese | Yes |
| Monochloroacetic acid | Yes |
| Nitrate | Yes |
| Strontium | Yes |
Improving the Quality of New York City Tap Water
To address these contaminants, the EWG recommends using the following water filters:
- Activated carbon filters
- Reverse osmosis filters
- Ion exchange filters
These filters can help reduce contaminant levels and improve the overall quality of New York City tap water. Additionally, contacting local officials to push for cleaner water and holding them accountable for water quality is another way to ensure safer drinking water.
Conclusion
In summary, New York City tap water has a pH value of around 7.2, making it slightly alkaline. The city’s water supply system undergoes rigorous testing and monitoring to ensure excellent water quality. However, specific contaminants like bromodichloromethane, bromoform, chloroform, and others are present in the water. To improve the water quality, using activated carbon, reverse osmosis, or ion exchange filters is recommended. Engaging with local officials to push for cleaner water is also crucial in ensuring safer drinking water for all New York City residents.
References:
– New York City Tap Water Isn’t Nearly as Great as We Think It Is – Thrillist
– New York City drinking water supply and quality report 2021 – NYC.gov
– Why Is New York Tap Water So Good? – Edible Manhattan
– EWG Tap Water Database | New York City System