Manhattan
Manhattan, NY water profile — supply sources, drought status, wastewater reuse, and the key water issues facing the city.
Manhattan, NY is one of the largest cities in the United States, with a population near 1,487,536 and the 4th-largest community in New York. Like much of New York, Manhattan draws its water primarily from Catskill/Delaware watersheds, Great Lakes, and aquifers.
Manhattan's water outlook is shaped most by aging infrastructure — the issue that dominates planning across New York. NYC's protected upstate watershed delivers unfiltered water, but upstate systems face PFAS (notably Hoosick Falls) and aging mains.
Manhattan sits in a state that reuses roughly 3% of treated wastewater (minimal programs) and currently experiences abnormally dry to moderate drought.
For the bigger picture, see the New York state water profile and the related issues below.
At a glance
- Population ~1,487,536 (4th-largest in New York)
- Primary sources: Catskill/Delaware watersheds, Great Lakes, and aquifers
- Drought: abnormally dry to moderate conditions
- State reuse rate: ~3% of wastewater
Statewide drought history
% of New York in severe+ drought (Moderate (D1) now).
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor
Common questions
Is tap water safe in Manhattan?
Manhattan is served by community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Statewide, 16.2% of New York's systems have a recent health-based violation. Check your provider's annual Consumer Confidence Report for local results.
Where does Manhattan get its water?
Manhattan draws from the same regional sources that serve New York: Catskill/Delaware watersheds, Great Lakes, aquifers.
Related water issues
Aging Infrastructure
Much of America's water infrastructure is decades past its design life, leaking trillions of gallons a year and demanding hundreds of billions in reinvestment.
ExplorePFAS Contamination
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances persist in water supplies for decades. New federal limits are forcing utilities nationwide to invest in advanced treatment.
Explore