Tap water quality in Yonkers, New York? Is it safe to drink?

The tap water quality in Yonkers, New York, is monitored carefully and meets the required safety standards set by state and federal agencies. However, residents should be aware of certain factors that may influence their water quality.

Water Quality Problems:

1. Source: The primary source of water in Yonkers comes from surface water, specifically from the Catskill and Delaware watersheds. These watersheds are located upstate and provide a significant portion of New York City's and surrounding areas' drinking water.
2. Testing and Standards: Water quality in Yonkers is regularly tested to ensure compliance with the standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New York State Department of Health. Testing happens multiple times a year and covers a wide range of potential contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and organic chemicals.
3. Water Hardness: The water in Yonkers is considered to be moderately hard. This means it has a higher concentration of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While not harmful, hard water can lead to issues such as scaling in pipes and appliances, soap scum, and reduced efficiency of water heaters.
4. Common Concerns: Some common concerns among residents include detectable levels of chlorine used for disinfection purposes, lead from old pipes in certain households, and occasional taste and odor issues. While these factors are usually within safe limits, they can be bothersome for some people. A water filter can help mitigate these concerns.

While the tap water in Yonkers is generally safe to drink and use, residents may want to consider installing water purifiers and water softeners to further enhance water quality and ensure their health and safety.