There are estimated to be 12,000-17,000 water tanks across the New York City skyline. Recent samplings taken by the New York Times at just twelve of the water towers found E. coli in five of the tanks. The positive results came from the bottom of the tanks, below the pipe that feeds the buildings’ taps. Public health experts claim this is a concern because the water circulates throughout the inside of the tanks.
Stephen Edberg, a public-health expert from Yale, warned the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene stating that, “If any part of the tank gets contaminated, all of it is contaminated.”
Health officials in New York City insist that the tanks are safe, and that there are adequate governing laws. Nearly $700,000 in fines have been levied against buildings that did not meet the city’s regulations from 2010-2012. On top of that, 60% of building owners do not ensure that their tanks adhere to city regulations.
To read the full article in the New York Times, click here.