September 01, 1998

NYC Water Tainted by Dirty Tanks – Assemblyman Says City Doesn’t Enforce Rules.

While the Department of Health’s regulations require annual roof tank cleaning as a necessary measure to safeguard the quality of the residents’ drinking water, compliance is virtually voluntary since landlords are allowed to police themselves. Philip Kraus, President of Culligan Water Conditioning of New York City notes that tanks left to “silt up” can easily become contaminated and a host for bacteria, and should be cleaned annually. East Side Assemblyman Steve Sanders’ office reports that the Department of Health inspects less than 20 tanks per year — out of 20,000 citywide — and that Mr. Sanders seeks a solution to the problem even if it requires state legislation. If you are interested in learning more about the City’s enforcement — or lack thereof — of the Health Code regarding the santization of roof tanks, you may find this article of use.

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