A recent test of water from a drinking fountain in the basement of New York City Hall detected trace amounts of lead, according to a study by The Post. The sample, collected in July, revealed 1.13 parts per billion (ppb) of lead, a level that falls below the city's current legal limit of 15 ppb but is significantly higher than health recommendations.
Dr. Eric Roy, Head of Science at Culligan, which conducted the water test, stated that while the lead level is legally compliant, any amount is considered harmful. He explained that lead contamination in New York City's water is often a result of aging infrastructure, specifically old lead pipes, rather than the source water itself, which is sourced from the Catskills.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum lead limit of 1 ppb, and the EPA's goal is 0 ppb, as there is no safe level of exposure. Lead exposure can lead to a range of health issues, including cognitive problems, anemia, and decreased kidney function, with children being particularly vulnerable.
While the City Hall sample showed no measurable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," Roy cautioned that this single test represents a snapshot in time. He noted that water quality can vary significantly due to factors like rainfall and proximity to contamination sources, and that other New Yorkers have reported finding PFAS in their water.
The presence of lead in the City Hall water is puzzling, as city-owned buildings are typically connected to non-lead service lines. A City Hall spokesperson indicated that lead exposure can occur through privately owned service lines or internal plumbing. The city treats its water supply with orthophosphate, a food-grade additive designed to create a protective coating inside pipes and prevent lead from leaching into the water. New Yorkers concerned about lead in their drinking water can request a free test kit by calling 311.
The city's Department of Citywide Administrative Services stated that the test results do not warrant an immediate response, as action is typically triggered at a lead level of 5 ppb. The city's Department of Environmental Protection also noted that the 1.13 ppb result is significantly lower than federal action levels and that they continuously monitor water quality throughout the distribution system and from its sources.
In addition to lead, the City Hall water sample contained higher traces of aluminum, copper, and zinc, though these were reported to affect only the taste and color of the water, not its safety. The report concluded that lead contamination can be mitigated by replacing pipes, and both lead and PFAS can be removed with home filtration systems.