By Larry Fletcher

It’s easy to see why a person might assume NYC tap water is of low quality. Big cities are hosts for all manner of pollution, and water pollution is no exception. However, NYC tap water is usually in line with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) drinking water standards. It does contain contaminants and disinfectants, however. At times, NYC drinking water samples have also contained bacteria that are capable of causing gastrointestinal illnesses.

The good news about NYC tap water is that it doesn’t contain much lead. However, this doesn’t mean glasses from the tap are lead-free. Old plumbing in homes, businesses, or schools may still contaminate drinking water. To be on the safe side, NYC residents may choose to use a lead testing kit just to be sure of what they’re drinking.

More troubling is the fact that Giardia and Cryptosporidium have shown up in some samples of NYC H20. Giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes diarrhea, gas, greasy stools, abdominal cramping, and nausea. These symptoms may develop up to two weeks after exposure. Cryptosporidium is another parasite that has been found in the Big Apple’s H20 from time to time. It causes such things as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, fever, weight loss, and dehydration.

If the potential for parasites hasn’t horrified you enough, consider the chlorine in New York drinking H2O. It’s used to kill bacteria and viruses that could harm your health, but it may also add a little something to your glass–disinfectant byproducts. Chlorine’s byproducts may be very bad for your health. In fact, some studies show that its byproducts increase your risk of developing cancer. Then there’s fluoride, which helps to keep the teeth healthy. Some experts believe excess amounts of it may cause cancer as well.

The known dangers in New York tap H2O may be less frightening than those that are unknown. The fact is the EPA only regulates some contaminants. However, researchers have noted thousands of chemicals in use in the United States that have the potential for making their way into tap H2O. Hundreds or even thousands of these chemicals may have cancer-causing potential. Many may cause other types of health conditions as well.