5. The Department of Environmental Protection Collects 1200 Drinking Water Samples Per Month

Ever wondered about these drinking water sampling stations? Since March 1997, the Department of Environmental Protection has taken samples of New York’s drinking water, collecting more than 1200 water samples per month from up to 546 locations.  Water sample are tested for chlorine levels, pH, bacteria, pollutants and odor among other factors. The stations are located in a number of places around the city based on population density, water pressure zones, proximity to water mains and accessibility. Each cast-iron station is raised 4.5 feet off the ground and is marked “W.S.N.Y. N.Y.C Drinking Water Sampling Station.”