LeadFreeNYC: Drinking Fountains

As a part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's LeadFreeNYC plan, NYC Parks is testing all of our more than 3500 outdoor drinking fountains for lead. By making sure that all of our drinking fountains are lead free, we are doing our part to help eliminate childhood lead exposure in New York City. This testing program will ensure no stone is left unturned, as we protect the health and safety of our kids.

The Testing Process

As of May 6, 2019, our consultant has begun testing all of our drinking fountains for lead. As the consultant prepares their test, you may see plastic bags on your local fountain and stickers indicating their status. If the fountain shows elevated lead levels above the federal threshold of 15 ppb, we will close the fountain until it has been remediated.

Our goal is to return our fountains to full service as soon as possible. Testing will be completed by mid-June and remediation will continue through the summer.

Staying Safe

New York City's drinking water is safe. Our Department of Environmental Protection conducts more than 600,000 tests of our city's water each year to ensure that it meets or exceeds all state and federal health standards for lead in drinking water. Our pools and spray showers are safe to use.

Our water fountains are safe to drink from, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. They are not a known source of childhood lead exposure. It is good practice to let the water run for 30 seconds before drinking.

Learn More About Lead Exposure

For more on the effects of childhood lead exposure, visit the Health Department's Lead Poisoning Prevention page. If you are concerned about the effects of lead contamination, please visit the Lead Exposure page on the LeadFreeNYC website for more information.

Track Our Progress

As the testing process is happening, we'll share results on this page as they come in. You can use the interactive map below to track our testing and determine the site conditions at the drinking fountain near you.

Download all lead testing results to date

Not Yet Tested
This fountain has not yet been tested for lead.

Results Pending
Lead testing in progress.

Remediation Needed
This fountain is temporarily closed due to elevated lead levels.

Testing complete
This fountain tested below the federal lead level.