Tap water in New York City is legally safe to drink and meets all federal and state health standards. The water comes from clean upstate reservoirs and is delivered virtually lead-free through a well-maintained system. However, the water is unfiltered and treated with chlorine and other additives, which some people may find affects taste. There is a potential risk from old plumbing and lead pipes in some buildings, so filtering tap water is recommended, especially for vulnerable groups like babies and pregnant women. Microplastics have been found in NYC tap water but are also common in bottled water. Overall, most New Yorkers safely drink tap water, often using filters for added peace of mind.

In summary:

• NYC tap water is generally safe and well-regulated.
• It comes mostly from unfiltered, clean reservoirs.
• Old building plumbing may introduce lead or metals.
• Using a home water filter can improve safety and taste.
• Bottled water is not necessarily safer and has environmental drawbacks.

Therefore, it is safe to drink tap water in NYC, but filtering it at home is a sensible precaution.