Is tap water in US safe to drink? [duplicate]

This might sound silly but I come from a place where we would typically have to buy bottled water or boil tap water to drink, so now that I'm spending 5 weeks at a Yale dorm, is it safe to drink from the taps here (specifically in the dorms)?
Also, I don't see any bottled water station with 20 litre bottles and dispensers to drink from, so I assume the college expects the students to drink from the taps (I've read various sources that it's safe to drink from most US taps) or go out and buy a bottled water.

One thing I noticed is that it does taste a little bleachy, but that might just be me.

EDIT: The dorm's sinks themselves don't look too clean and also it is a collection of pretty old buildings (at least on the outside, the inside does look more modern though). Pipes that are not behind walls in some areas have been covered in paint, so it's hard to tell whether it's prone to lead leaks or not. Doubt I could carry out a lead concentration level test either.

usa tap-water

Best Answer

Generally, tap water in the US is drinkable. You can read the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act for how it is regulated. So, yes, it is usually safe to use tap water for drinking, brushing your teeth, etc.

It does happen that water that should be safe is not. In this case, a warning is issued once the issue is discovered. There will be public notices until water becomes drinkable again.

The chlorinated taste comes from the process used to make it drinkable, so you should be reassured by it! You are also right that there are bottled water is less common when water is drinkable. There are also often water fountains which are simply unfiltered cooled down tap water. You will find those near public washrooms in many places.

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Can you drink water from tap USA?

In most parts of the United States and Canada, it's safe to drink tap water from public water systems. Tap water that's been properly filtered is equally safe as bottled water and provides you with essential minerals you may not get from bottled water.

Can we drink tap water again?

Tap water is still safe for: showers, baths, shaving, flushing toilets \u2022 washing clothes. You will be told when tap water is safe to drink again by your council or water utility.

Is bottled water safer than tap water in the US?

Over the past few years, bottled water consumption has grown significantly because it's considered safer and better tasting than tap water. In fact, in the United States, each person drinks approximately 30 gallons (114 liters) of bottled water per year ( 1 ).

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink? - Sharp Science

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