Ever wondered why New York City’s tap water tastes so uniquely fresh? Well I’ve got some surprising news for ya – there’s actually tiny shrimp living in it! But before you freak out, let me tell you why this is actually pretty cool.
The Truth About Those Little Swimmers
NYC’s tap water contains microscopic crustaceans called copepods. These teeny-tiny shrimp-like creatures aren’t just random inhabitants – they’re actually working hard to keep our water clean! Here’s what makes them special:
- They’re natural water purifiers that eat mosquito larvae
- They’re completely harmless to humans
- They help make NYC water taste better
- They’re so small you can’t see them with your naked eye
Why NYC’s Water System is Unique
What makes New York’s water system super interesting is that it’s
- The largest unfiltered water system in America
- Supplies water to not just NYC but also Westchester, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam Counties
- Gets tested 500,000-600,000 times yearly for safety
- Would cost about $1 million per day if they had to filter it!
The Kosher Controversy
Here’s where things get interesting! The presence of these tiny shrimp has actually caused some debate in the Orthodox Jewish community. Since copepods are technically shellfish, some argue the water isn’t strictly Kosher. But don’t worry – many rabbis have weighed in and most agree it’s perfectly fine to drink.
How NYC Keeps Its Water Safe
Even though the water isn’t filtered, NYC makes sure it’s safe to drink by treating it with:
- Chlorine
- Fluoride
- Orthophosphate
- Sodium hydroxide
- Ultraviolet light
The Real Deal About NYC Water Quality
Listen up – while NYC water is totally safe to drink I gotta burst your bubble a bit. That whole “best tap water in the world” thing? Well, according to 2009 data, we’re actually outranked by
- Boston
- St. Louis
- Austin
- And 12 other cities!
Climate Change & Future Challenges
We can’t ignore the elephant in the room – climate change is making things tricky. Since NYC’s water is unfiltered, rising turbidity levels could cause some health impacts down the road. The city’s keeping a close eye on this though!
Tips for Drinking NYC Tap Water
Here’s what I recommend:
- Let the tap run for a few seconds before filling your glass
- Use cold water for drinking (it’s fresher)
- If you’re concerned about the copepods, you can use a fine filter
- Remember – those tiny shrimp are actually helping keep your water clean!
The Bottom Line
So yeah, there are technically shrimp in NYC tap water! But these little guys are more like tiny water guardians than unwanted guests. They’re part of what makes NYC’s water system so unique and effective.
For most of us New Yorkers, we’re gonna keep drinking our tap water just like we always have. Those copepods have been doing their job for years, and they’re gonna keep on doing it!
#NYC #TapWater #WaterFacts #NYCLiving #Sustainability
So When is Water Not Kosher?
New York City’s tap water contains tiny shrimp called copepods. While this can certainly make you want to swear off NYC’s tap water forever, these microscopic crustaceans are not actually harmful at all, and are instead used to clear the water of mosquito larvae. They are also so tiny that they are usually invisible to the naked eye but can sometimes be seen in water as small white specks.
While their addition may lead to cleaner water, the presence of copepods means that New York City’s unfiltered tap water is technically non-kosher. Residents, restaurants, bakeries, operated under Orthodox Jewish law have been advised to filter NYC tap water to ensure that it is kosher and copepod-free.
There are over eleven thousand copepod species, and they can be found across many of the world’s different water sources. Filtering your tap water is the only sure-fire way to ensure they don’t make it into your glass.
How Can I Make Sure My Water is Kosher?
You’re probably wondering how you can provide Kosher water if you observe Orthodox Jewish law – or if simply the thought of drinking shrimp with your water makes you feel icky!
Luckily, this part is simple – use a Kosher-certified filtration system like ZeroWater.
Our 5-Stage Filter removes copepods plus virtually all other total dissolved solids (TDS) and contaminants in your water – see for yourself!
The Truth About New York City Tap Water!
FAQ
Does NYC tap water have shrimp?
Does NYC add shrimp to water?
New York City’s tap water contains tiny shrimp called copepods. While this can certainly make you want to swear off NYC’s tap water forever, these microscopic crustaceans are not actually harmful at all, and are instead used to clear the water of mosquito larvae.
Can you be allergic to shellfish in NYC tap water?
Before you freak out, these crustaceans, known as copepods, are harmless — not even posing a threat to those who have shellfish allergies. It’s still pretty gross to think about, but since New York’s water quality exceeds federal standards, the water is not filtered — thus, the copepods remain.
Can shrimp live in tap water?