Water Systems
In NYC, our tap water is safe and healthy. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection oversees the supply of more than 1 billion gallons of drinking water to New Yorkers every day. The Department of Environmental Protection and the Health Department monitor our water to ensure high water quality standards as it makes its way from the upstate reservoirs to your tap.
When the water enters your building or if other water sources are used or reused, the Health Department has permit requirements and additional programs to ensure the water meets local, state and federal water quality standards.
Permit Requirements for Water Systems
- Adding Chemicals to Water Supply Permit: A permit is required for people who chemically treat the drinking water supply within a building. Water can only be treated for anti-corrosion, anti-scaling, or disinfection purposes.
- Well Water: A permit from the NYC Health Department is required to operate a water well used to supply water to buildings or properties in NYC.
- Building Water Tank Cleaning, Painting and Coating Permit: A permit may be obtained to clean, paint, or coat building drinking water tanks.
Other Water Programs
- Water Potability Certificate: A Water Potability Certificate is issued to wholesale food establishments when required by the Federal government or any other agency to certify the building is supplied with approved potable water.
- Water Tanks Inspection Reporting: For buildings with a drinking water tank, an annual inspection and water quality sample must be conducted each year. The inspection report must be submitted to the NYC Health Department by a qualified water tank inspector.
- Onsite Nonpotable Water Reuse: In NYC, nonpotable water systems can be used to capture and treat water collected within or surrounding a building for reuse onsite or locally for purposes that are not intended for human consumption. For more information, see our Nonpotable Water Systems Guidance Manual (PDF).