Big Apple has New York’s Cleanest Water While Long Island has the Worst: Report

According to a new study, New York City is noted for having some of the best drinking water in the state, from Niagara to Montauk.

According to a report released this week by the NY Public Interest Research Group, the measures taken by New York City to protect its water supply could serve as a model for the state.

The city has implemented a source-water protection program that includes limiting development near its upstate reservoirs and watershed, while also addressing potential pollution from septic systems and agricultural chemicals.

“There is no other program like this in New York State,” said Liz Moran, the NYPIRG environmental policy director.

The situation is different in some suburban areas of New York. Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island have reported a higher number of emerging contaminants in their public water systems. One of the identified pollutants in Long Island’s water is 1,4 dioxane, which has been found at levels exceeding EPA reference concentrations in certain locations.

The key difference between the five boroughs and Long Island lies in the sources of their water and the measures taken to protect those sources.

Public water systems on Long Island draw from wells in sandy soils, which can be more vulnerable to pollution, while the five boroughs of New York City source their water from protected upstate reservoirs. The presence of 1,4 dioxane in Long Island’s water is partly a result of its past industrial use as a solvent.

According to the report, low levels of exposure to 1,4-dioxane have been associated with potential developmental effects, thyroid issues, digestive concerns, and other health risks, including certain cancers.

Across the state, 23 emerging contaminants, some of which are associated with health concerns, have been detected in the drinking water for millions of people. Some of these contaminants are still not fully identified.

An additional 6.4 million people who rely on private wells or small public systems have not undergone testing, leaving them unaware of potential contaminants in their water.

One of the recommendations from NYPIRG is that the state adopt a proactive approach to testing and protecting water sources, and implement a database to track contaminants in public water systems.