High Water Standard is a water filtering company in NYC

We improve lives by improving water!

917-601-0102
1938 Stillwell Ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11223

How to Choose the Best Water Filtration System for New York Drinking Water

Water in New York is rumored to be the best in the country and has been described as the champagne of drinking water. But is the pride that New Yorkers have for their water quality justified? Is it true? And is NYC water quality so high that there is no need to buy a water filtration system for your home?

Is New York Drinking Water the Best Tap Water in the World?

Certainly, claiming that NYC drinking water quality is the best worldwide would be a huge overstatement. But is it safe to drink NYC tap water? The short answer is yes, but not for a long period of time.

It should be mentioned that NYC water was awarded the best tasting water in the state in 2018. The New York State Tap Water Taste Test competition judged 30 contestants to establish the highest quality water supplier, and NYC came in first. And since 9.6 million people in New York City and Westchester County are connected to the same supply, they can have peace of mind that drinking tap water in NYC is much better than in other cities.

Upstate, the Croton River has been supplying part of the current water system in New York City since the 1840s, and it currently accounts for 10-12% of water consumption in the city. The Catskill/Delaware systems contribute to the remaining 90%. The amount of water going through the water systems each day is astonishing.

The only issue is that water in NYC does not go through a filtration process, as a form of treatment. Instead, the NYC tap water quality is regulated by the Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) program, and the water supply is treated using chlorine disinfection. And considering the majority of the water system was built between the 1840s and the 1960s, the piping is not up to par, in comparison to what it once used to be.

This creates a need for a water filtration system for the home. Since you can’t fully rely on the quality of NYC water, which comes from rusty pipes, it’s time to invest in a quality filter. Order a refrigerator water filter installation or any other customized system from High Water Standard and remove the worry of water going through decades-old piping.

Can You Drink Tap Water in New York?

If you live in a new building, the New York City water supply system delivers water virtually lead-free. ”Virtually” is not the same as having no lead and even ”lead-free” pipes can contain as much as 8% lead. But the situation with New York drinking water in older buildings is more concerning. Untreated water can contain the following elements:

  • Lead is a toxic metal that causes long-term harm in adults but is especially harmful to pregnant women and children. It can affect brain development in children and cause many issues for the developing fetus.
  • Unfiltered, contaminated water can also contain cryptosporidium, which is very resistant to chlorine-based disinfectants. This pathogen has been observed and known to cause gastrointestinal and other infections.
  • Lastly, nitrates in drinking water have been linked to various adverse health outcomes, including colorectal cancer, thyroid disease, and neural tube defects.

can you drink tap water in new york

So, can you drink tap water in New York without exposing yourself to these health risks? All residents can take precautions to minimize their exposure. For example, more lead is released into drinking tap water in New York if it has not been used for several hours. So, you can leave the water running for several minutes in the morning. Older plumbing materials (pipes, solder, faucets, fittings, and valves) tend to be the biggest factors contributing to poor water quality.

Even though the Department of Environmental Protection undertakes certain measures, treatment does not always bring the water to a safe level. With no filtration on the municipal level, it might be best to take charge and install an NYC water filtration system without relying on the DEP.

What Types of Water Filtration Systems Can Help to Solve These Problems?

First, let’s examine the biggest complaints New Yorkers have about NYC drinking water quality:

  • Rusty brown color. While rusty or discolored water will not be immediately harmful to your body, it is not the color water is supposed to be. Chances are the rusty brown color is a result of corrosion in your building’s plumbing system, which is a very common problem in New York. For the time being, you can let the water run for some time to flush the particles out.
    But there are many other factors that can cause your water to be discolored. It could be nearby construction work, ground disturbance activities, repairs or replacement of broken pipes, etc. If the pressure or the water flow suddenly changes for any reason, it can cause iron and manganese particles to enter the stream.
  • Strange taste or odor. New York City drinking water is often affected by chlorine disinfection, which is a mandatory requirement by the Department of Environmental Protection. The warmer it gets, the more pronounced the smell of chlorine gets. One temporary way to resolve this problem is putting your glass or any container in the fridge overnight. But it is not something you can do regularly.
    Even though chlorination is by far the most common method of disinfection, it has some disadvantages. They include the formation of byproducts and ineffectiveness against certain types of microbes. New techniques, materials, and methods have shown great potential as an alternative to chlorination, which we implement in our best water filtration systems for the home.
  • Cloudy water. During the time water is being transferred from the upstate reservoirs to the city, the air gets trapped in the water. This doesn’t affect the water quality or your health. However, residents shouldn’t confuse air-related cloudiness with serious contamination. In any case, having clear water is preferable since you will be able to see any changes easily.

drinking tap water in new yorkNow, what is the best water filtration system to solve these problems? Let’s see what type of water filters and purifiers are currently on the market:

  • Water filter pitcher. Even though it is not the most effective, it is the most popular filter. Typically, the reasons are the cost and portability. It uses an activated carbon filter to prevent the contaminants from flowing in the water. The water you pour into it goes through the filter where the contaminants are removed and the flows into the lower part for storage. Because of its minimal capacity, it has to be frequently refilled but may come in useful for picnics and brunch gin the garden.
  • Faucet water filter. These filters are very affordable and require minimal maintenance. However, these two benefits come at the expense of efficiency. Faucet filters are installed directly on the faucet head and provide clean water straight away. If you live in an area where the water is already relatively clean, it is a great choice for the kitchen.
  • Showerhead filter. As you might tell by the name, this device is installed straight on the showerhead to filter the water locally in the shower. Showerhead filters are very useful for areas and cities with so-called heavy water, containing high amounts of chlorine and fluoride. Studies show that these compounds negatively affect the health of your scalp and hair. So, having this type of filter is likely to improve both.
    • Countertop water filter. If you don’t want to refill filter pitchers or jugs constantly, you might like the convenience of having a countertop filter. It is connected to the faucet and purifies water coming from the tap. The downside is that it takes up room on the countertop and thus, makes the space narrower.
  • Under-sink water filter. Similar to other options, these filters provide water on demand and do not need a storage tank or a connection to a drain. The advantages are that they are normally hidden in the cupboard and can process large volumes of water quickly. The downside is that they are large and not portable.
  • Full house water filter system. By deciding to invest in a full house water filter system, you get clean water coming from every tap of the home. If you want everything water-related to be healthier, such as cooking, laundry, showers, and drinking, you can confidently go for this type of filtration system.

Your home should be the safest place in the world, and it would be unfair if that safety was compromised every time you come into contact with water. We have already discussed the danger of untreated water, so you realize that the stakes are high. A water filtration system for the home is a valuable purchase beyond measure. Since it is placed on the main water line entering your house, every drop of water coming into your home will be clean. Water that is free from rust, sediment, chlorine, and other chemical contaminants makes for a great investment in a healthy future.

Besides, clean water will also keep your existing house appliances running for as long as possible. Dishwashers, water heaters, and washing machines often break because of harsh water. So, after proper water filtration, contaminants will not enter these devices. Thus, they will work efficiently for a lot longer. That makes this purchase even more cost-efficient.

What is the best whole house water filtration system? We can say with a great deal of confidence that it is full house systems from High Water Standard. With 15 years of experience, we have gained the level of expertise that allows us to provide our customers with the best service possible. If you buy anything more complicated than a pitcher, you want to deal with a company that knows their trade. Contact us for a consultation or visit our NYC office to jumpstart your way to both cleaner water and a healthier life.

The Best Water Filtration Systems Still Require Maintenance

Even if you go for the top-quality water filter, dealing with maintenance is inevitable. You have to make sure that the filter remains effective and prevents clogging from sediments, dirt, organic materials, bacteria, etc. In the worst-case scenario, the contaminants stuck on the outer shell of the cartridge will find their way back into the water, which undermines the idea of having a water filtration system for the home.

How do you know it is time to schedule an appointment with a water filtration service company?

  • There is a sudden loss of pressure. This probably indicates that the filter cartridge has been clogged and it’s time to change the sediment part in a multi-stage system or the main part of a single-cartridge system.
  • You notice changes in the taste, odor, or appearance of the water. This point is loosely connected to the previous one. The cartridge may have filled with contaminants, and you need to install a new one.
  • You find something unusual in the way your filter works. If anything raises suspicion that the device is not operating correctly, you need to call maintenance service. It can be a strange noise, an alarm, or something similar.

drinking tap water in new york

With the help of a reliable water filtration service company, you can maintain the efficiency of your filter and prevent breakdowns. Use High Water Standard to perform the routine maintenance that all commercial and residential filtration systems eventually need. We also have the skill and knowledge to repair and maintain filters that were not installed by our company.

At High Water Standard, we make sure that:

  • You have new, high-quality filters installed. All the materials and parts that we work with come from the best manufacturers. We never reuse filters because the absorbed contaminants could lead to bacterial growth and compromise the quality of the water.
  • The cartridges are compatible with your filtration system. It takes some expertise to match a substitute filter to the model of our filtration system. Even if off-brand filters may save you some money, not every filter model will work with them properly. Especially if you have a customized system, you will need a very specific cartridge replacement.
  • You are ready for any circumstance. If the system suddenly breaks down, our service will make any repairs in a timely manner. It won’t be a lengthy process, and you will have clear water again very soon.
  • You can monitor the filter’s performance. Our consultations provide you with valuable information that you can later use to monitor its operation. That way, you will quickly realize if something has gone wrong and prevent unknowingly drinking bad quality water.
  • You don’t postpone filter replacement. There are many reasons that people neglect doing maintenance work around the house. But when it is so easy to do, you won’t be tempted to postpone the necessary upkeep and repairs.

Improve Your Life with Better Water Quality

Install a water filtration system for the home with High Water Standard. We perform a wide variety of services related to filtration systems, including installation, maintenance, and repair. We operate in the greater New York City area, in all five boroughs (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island), as well as in northern New Jersey. Take charge and improve your and your family members’ health, while also helping the environment, and all at an affordable price.

Experience a Higher Water Standard for Yourself

We improve lives by improving water. With our custom water treatment services, you save on the important things – time, money, and health – so you can live better, work better, and feel better.

At this moment High Water Standard consists from highly experienced people. We do believe that to be a successful company you need to hire not a lot of people, but hire right people, and it is what High Water Standard does. If we combine our experience in water filter industry we will get at about 100 years. Are not we experienced but not old, ah?

We work in homes, apartments, offices, restaurants, medical facilities, and anywhere else that clean filtered water is desired. No matter your need or your location, we offer you full-service water treatment solutions, and guarantee your satisfaction.

We are water purification experts. And we don’t say that lightly. Over the last 15 years, we have improved the water standard for thousands of your fellow New Yorkers with our water treatment systems. We have serviced both commercial and residential clients.

We can install, repair, and perform maintenance on any water treatment system, even if your filter was installed by another company. Our water purification service range stretches across all five New York City boroughs: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island and Bronx, as well as Long Island.

All our photos are original and, although not always top-notch, were intentionally taken by water filter installation and maintenance professionals, and not by professional photographers.

Joujou N.
Joujou N.
2023-03-03
I was sick and tired of the aweful water delivery service I was getting from Ready Refresh (formally Nestle) . Either they don't show up on the delivery date or they don't have enough water bottles or they ignore your instructions where to place the bottles. It was exhausting and I was fed up-not to mention the delivery fees and the cost was out of control. I also wasn't thrilled on having to lug those massive 5 gallon water jugs around. I was so happy when I found High Water Standard. They were very transparent about the process, installation, and the cost. I was very happy to work with Elena. She was very thorough and took her time to explain everything. We were able to get our installation done during the same week. Our technicians were absolutely delightful to work with and guided us on how to use our new water filtration system. A big shout out to Igor and Alex for doing such an amazing job. Go with High Water Standards you will not regret it.
Liliya K.
Liliya K.
2022-01-16
I have been using the high water standard for over 5 years now, and it is the best investment I have made for my and my family's health. Igor and his crew are always so professional, reliable and knowledgeable. I have tried other water filters in the past but nothing compares to this amazing filter that the high water standard provides. My whole entire family uses it and loves the fact that the filtration system is unparalleled and that it is installed seamlessly by the crew. Definitely worth the investment for overall health and piece of mind!
Stella G.
Stella G.
2021-09-14
Amazing service from start to finish. Quick clean installation process. Team installing the system explained everything and stated we can call them anytime. Water is great now. Def will recommend.
Jie C.
Jie C.
2021-03-01
We asked for a quote and consultation and Igor was exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable. He came to our house to test the water and provided a ton of very useful information. He is the right guy to seek out if you are new to the water filtration topic. We really appreciate his help.
Veronica M.
Veronica M.
2021-01-18
Have been with this company for over 10 year and they never disappoint with quality of product and their service. I just upgraded my water filter system. Everything was done promptly and with excellent quality. Igor and Edik have been always available for any issues and are super courteous and prompt. Their new employee who came to do the installation was the young man named Alex and was extremely professional, handy and quick. I highly recommend this company for any filtration system you need for your house, as they will give you just what you need unlike some others that will push on you what needs to be sold.
Mat G.
Mat G.
2020-08-22
For 15 years I bought cases of bottled water every week, spending probably thousands of dollars every year. And luckily I was able to find a professional company that was able to install the filter water system for a reasonable fee. I am very satisfied with the quality of the water and the services provided by Igor. I strongly recommend high water standard.
Stephi L.
Stephi L.
2020-06-10
Owner came to install my water osmosis and I couldn't be more pleased. Installed quickly, answered all of my questions, and the water is super clean. I got my own tester to make sure that the quality is aligned with their claims, and it sure does. I am also glad that I was able to support a family owned business too. Happy customer. Thank you!
Lisa K.
Lisa K.
2020-06-04
Igor was so a professional and kind. I was having trouble with my water purifier and he came the same day to fix it! He is so easy to work with , and very reliable. I would definitely recommend him!
Jacob A.
Jacob A.
2019-08-14
Finally found a company who can professionally install an under counter water filter for a very reasonable fee! Did a superior job and offer great service. The gentleman who arrived is very knowledgeable about water quality, types of filtration and much more. Very satisfied with the work and will refer my family and friends. Thank you!
Michael Kaziyev
Michael Kaziyev
2023-08-07
Very professional service and staff!
Jodie Vashistha
Jodie Vashistha
2023-08-03
I just moved into a new apartment and needed to install a RO system. After my great experience last year with High Water Standard, I didn't for one second consider calling anyone else. Just like last time, Olena took care of prompt installation scheduling and handling my building's COI requirements. Igor, the consummate professional, does a great job with installation, explaining the system, and checking in with me at multiple points to make sure that I'm happy with the placement of the unit and the faucet. Both are friendly and easy to work with. Love my new tankless RO tower and the dedicated faucet looks amazing. Thank you High Water Standard! I love knowing that my drinking water is safe and healthy.
Andy Riedel
Andy Riedel
2023-08-01
We did quite a bit of research to select the installer of a reverse-osmosis filtration system for our condo in Brooklyn Heights. Even the glowing reviews we read didn’t fully prepare us for the wonderful service we have received from Igor, Olena, and their High Water Standard company! The system they installed is top quality and included a new cutout through our marble kitchen island and a custom, dedicated faucet. The triple filtration system provides excellent quality water that we feel is vital to our health and happiness. Best of all, they are just a joy to work with! Igor is super friendly, prompt, and understands the power of clean water in your life. In our opinion, you should just stop reading reviews for anyone else. High Water Standard is the best choice there is!
Andrea Peer
Andrea Peer
2023-07-28
The best you can find! Igor installed the water filter for my shop. Amazing quality and super professional. Thank you!!!
Joe Yusufov
Joe Yusufov
2023-06-20
Rep. In details showed and explained the options of the systems available. Gave us great service and equipment. Very reasonably priced. Couldn’t ask for more.
Genevieve Brennan
Genevieve Brennan
2023-05-30
Great product and customer service!
Michael N.
Michael N.
2023-05-26
Excellent service! Appreciate availability in time of need. Great explanations, prompt responses and the level of experience is well noticed. Truly a pleasure - thank you!
yelena avanesova
yelena avanesova
2023-05-25
hi! i’m so happy with the installation and the whole process. it was quick and seamless, igor is amazing and i’m so happy that i have clean drinking water now from the tap for my whole family. brings me a peace of mind
Davide Rosso
Davide Rosso
2023-05-15
Very professional, excellent service!

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