Understanding EPA Water Safety Standards
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plays a critical role in safeguarding public health by establishing and enforcing standards for the nation’s drinking water. These regulations ensure that the water provided by public systems meets specific quality and safety benchmarks, protecting consumers from harmful contaminants. The Foundation: The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) […]
Best Water Testing Methods for Apartments
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Living in an NYC apartment presents unique challenges regarding water quality. Unlike a single-family home where you might have direct access to your service line, apartment living involves complex internal plumbing that serves dozens, or sometimes hundreds, of units. When you want to assess your water quality, you cannot simply rely on […]
What Is PFAS and Why Is It Dangerous?
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT You may have heard them referred to as “forever chemicals.” PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a large family of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been manufactured and used in countless industries since the 1940s. Because of their unique chemical structure—which includes incredibly strong carbon-fluorine bonds—they are resistant to water, […]
How to Know If Your Water Pipes Contain Lead
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT For many New Yorkers, the safety of their drinking water is a top priority, yet the infrastructure that brings that water into their homes remains a mystery. If you live in an older building in NYC, it is natural to wonder about the integrity of your plumbing. While you cannot tell if […]
Common Water Contaminants Found in NYC Buildings
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT New York City’s municipal water is often described as the “champagne of tap waters,” owing to the protected upstate watersheds that supply it. However, the water that flows from your kitchen faucet is not identical to the water that leaves the reservoir. By the time it reaches your home, it has traveled […]
The Complete Guide to Residential Water Testing
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT For many New Yorkers, the city’s water supply is a point of pride. Sourced from protected reservoirs, it is world-class at the source. Yet, the reality of living in a city with such dense, historic infrastructure means that the water you drink often travels through miles of aging mains and private plumbing […]
Lead in Drinking Water: What Every Homeowner Should Know
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT For many New Yorkers, the mention of “lead” in water brings up memories of national headlines. However, for those living in older residential buildings—which make up a vast majority of the city’s housing stock—it is a practical, everyday maintenance concern rather than just a news story. Lead is odorless, tasteless, and invisible […]
How Often Should You Test Your Water in New York?
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Because New York City’s municipal water is rigorously tested by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before it reaches your street, many residents assume that testing their internal home plumbing is unnecessary. However, the journey from the city’s water main into your specific unit is where the “last mile” risks—such as lead […]
Signs Your Drinking Water May Be Contaminated
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT We often take the safety of our tap water for granted, especially living in a city that prides itself on having some of the highest-quality municipal water in the world. However, the journey from the upstate reservoirs to your kitchen faucet is a long one, involving miles of aging infrastructure and intricate, […]
Why Water Testing Is Essential for NYC Homes
‹ ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Living in New York City offers unparalleled access to culture, transit, and diversity. Yet, beneath the veneer of modern high-rises and historic brownstones lies a complex, aging infrastructure that has carried water to millions of residents for over a century. While the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) works diligently to monitor […]