DEP responds after widespread reports of brown water in Carroll Gardens area

“Is it safe to drink?” many asked.

NYC tap water remains safe — though residents should avoid drinking obviously discolored water, a DEP spokesperson told the Brooklyn Eagle via email on Tuesday. 

“If any residents are still seeing discolored water they should run their tap until the water runs clear and cold,” the spokesperson said. “We are investigating the root cause of the discolored water — which is typically related to the disturbance of a water main. We are looking at construction sites in the area and whether a fire hydrant was opened.”

DEP scientists test New York City’s drinking water hundreds of times each day, 365 days a year, he added. “They collect samples from the reservoirs, aqueducts, treatment facilities, and 1,000 street-side sampling stations throughout the five boroughs to ensure the tap water is safe, clean and healthy.”

More info on discolored water can be found on the DEP website.