Some Upper East Siders aren’t happy with the way their tap water has been tasting or smelling, CBS New York reports. In the last month or so, locals have picked up metallic and earthy flavors and some unsightly discoloration.
One Yorkville woman who’s always “been a proponent of New York City drinking water” is staying on the bottle for now, and is also avoiding the tap when it comes to mixing formula for her grandchildren.
The Department of Environmental Protection ensures CBS that the water is safe, emphasizing a half-million annual tests to ensure quality. They did, however, acknowledge a recent uptick in 311 complaints.
According to NYC Open Data, the vast majority of complaints since the beginning of June have been made by people who live east of 3rd Avenue. Multiple complaints have been made at 340 East 93rd Street, 409 East 78th Street and 527 East 78th Street. In addition to “metallic” and “earthy,” residents have described the water as musty, stale and bitter.
Eric Goldstein of the Natural Resources Defense Council attributes the taste change to temporary algae blooms on the reservoir, telling CBS it’s safe and that those with enough patience can “Let it sit for a while in a pitcher, or put it in the refrigerator overnight, and usually the earthy smell will disappear.”
