The Crystalina Water Report

What's Really in NYC Tap Water?

"The champagne of tap water" earns its reputation at the reservoir. Here's what happens on the way to your faucet — and what you can do about it.

The Journey

From Catskill Mountains to Your Kitchen

Understanding where the risk enters the system is the key to filtering it out.

Upstate Reservoirs

Excellent quality. 19 reservoirs and 3 lakes across a 2,000 sq mi watershed. This is where NYC water's reputation is earned.

Aqueducts & Tunnels

Aging fast. The Delaware Aqueduct — the city's biggest — has leaked millions of gallons per day for decades and required a massive bypass repair.

City Water Mains

~6,800 miles of pipe, much of it over a century old. Main breaks stir rust, sediment, and turbidity into building supply lines hundreds of times a year.

Your Building

The last 50 feet. Lead service lines and pre-1961 lead solder are the single biggest water-quality risk for most New Yorkers.

Key Concerns

Five Things Between You and Pure Water

Pb

Lead. NYC estimates well over 100,000 lead service lines remain, and buildings constructed before 1961 commonly used lead solder. There is no known safe level of lead exposure — the EPA's goal is zero.

Cl

Chlorine. Because most of the supply is unfiltered surface water, NYC relies heavily on chlorine disinfection. Safe — but it's what makes tap water taste and smell like a pool, and it's harsh on skin and hair.

PFAS

"Forever chemicals." Trace PFAS have been detected in some NY-area supplies. The EPA's 2024 rule sets limits near 4 parts per trillion — RO membranes are one of the few proven ways to remove them at home.

µP

Microplastics. Studies keep finding microplastic particles in municipal tap water worldwide. Sub-micron filtration physically blocks them.

NTU

Turbidity & sediment. Rust and particles from old mains — especially after breaks and repairs. If your water has ever run brown, this is why.

Bottled Water vs. Crystalina (annual cost, 1 household)

Family of 3 drinking ~1.5 gallons/day
Bottled water
$1,640
Delivery jugs
$900
Crystalina RO-10 (yr 1)
$400
Crystalina (yr 2+)
$65
Illustrative estimates for planning purposes. Year 2+ is filter replacements only.

Plus the environmental math

A single RO system replaces roughly 4,000+ plastic bottles per household per year. Cleaner water for you, less plastic in the Hudson.

What You Can Do

Filter at the Point of Use

You can't replace your building's plumbing — but you don't have to. Point-of-use filtration treats water at the exact spot the contamination problem ends: your tap.

  • Renters: countertop and faucet systems install with zero plumbing changes
  • Owners & co-ops: under-sink reverse osmosis targets lead, PFAS, and microplastics
  • Brownstones & townhouses: whole-house systems protect every tap, shower, and appliance
  • Everyone: a $20 TDS meter shows you the before/after in seconds
Find Your Filter Shop All Systems
Clean water pouring from a filtered tap
Common Questions

NYC Water FAQ

Isn't NYC water already among the best in the country?
At the source, yes — the upstate watershed is genuinely excellent and the city tests it constantly. The issue is everything after: century-old mains, lead service lines, and your building's internal plumbing. City testing can't account for the last 50 feet into your apartment.
How do I know if my building has lead pipes?
Check NYC's public lead service line map (search "NYC lead service line lookup"), and ask your landlord or management company. Buildings built before 1961 are the highest risk. When in doubt, a certified lab test — or an RO system that removes lead regardless — is the safest route.
Do I need reverse osmosis, or is a carbon filter enough?
Carbon handles chlorine, taste, and odor well. But for lead, PFAS, fluoride, and microplastics, a reverse osmosis membrane is the gold standard. Our quiz factors in your building age and priorities to recommend the right level.
Can I install a filter if I rent?
Yes. Our Countertop Luxe requires zero plumbing, and faucet-mount and pitcher options need no installation at all. Under-sink systems are also reversible — many renters install them and take them when they move.
How often do filters need changing?
Pre-filters every 6–12 months, RO membranes every 2–3 years. Join the Crystalina Club and we'll email you reminders and ship replacements automatically.

Ready to Take Control of Your Water?

60 seconds. Five questions. The right filter for your NYC home.

Take the Quiz →