New York City Travel Forum

Thanks for all relies

I am still eager to clarify: Is it necessary to boil the water before drinking in NYC and Boston. We residents in Hong Kong are advised to boil the tap water before consuming, since the water pipes and the taps are not 100% free from problems.
Thanks

please come to the US and drink the water anywhere - anytime

I lived in New York for 2 years and drank it every day

I don;t think there is a city in America where you cannot drink the tap water

Whenever I visit either place, I drink the water with no problems. American water is generally safe. It is possible that some old houses have problem with their pipes, but hotels will be just fine.

As a warning/suggestion...we North Americans are used to our own tap water in Canada and the US....but we don't drink the water in Mexico. Perhaps the Mexicans cannot tolerate our water, either. It has to do with the content of the water and the fact that our 'guts' are used to the water.

Coming from Hong Kong...I'm not sure what your 'guts' are used to. I would be wary of drinking the water in any country outside of my own, and the US. Be on the safe side and drink bottled water....or boil the water. Perhaps ask others who have visited over here. Ask your Consulate what their suggestion might be.

I think Saillady hit the nail on the head. In Australia I don't hesitate to drink the water same for New Zealand, however i travel quite a bit in Asia and would not consider drinking the tap water there but of course the locals do. You bild up a resistance for your area. Having said that I don't worry in most other countries but then I have an iron cald constitution. So if you have an iffy stomach and catch bugs easily, buy your water, if not give it a try

My only "beef" with New York water is that it tastes of chlorine.

To answer your question very specifically - NO -it is not necessary to boil the water in NYC or Boston before drinking it.

No-you don't have to boil tap water before consuming it.

No. You don't have to boil NYC tap water before you drink it.
No. You don't have to boil NYC tap water before you drink it.

Do not boil.

Drink beer instead :)

Time to pull the plu on this one...? Water is, after all, a precious commodity.:))

...pull the plug!