Where can I get my NYC water tested? (organic, best)

[Commander Beth]

As far as I know the Department of Environmental Protection only tests for lead. I have some mysterious flotsam coming out of my bathtub tap (but not through the sink). Does anyone know where I can send my tap water to be tested to I.D. this gunk?

It looks vaguely organic, but it's odorless. The super doesn't know what to make of it.
I attached a photo of it for your amusement.

[bluedog2]

Fecal matter.

[Commander Beth]

That's what my husband says *shudder*. Thank gawd we have the 2nd bathroom.

I haven't heard similar complaints from anyone else in my line so I'm not sure about the source of the problem.

Bluedog, I'm in a coop. Can you suggest what our best next steps might be?

[Commander Beth]

In any case, you can see why I'm in denial. We're sending it out to a lab asap.

[Kefir King]

Beth,


Is it coming out of your hot or cold water taps...or both?
Is that snapshot magnified or actual size.


My first guess is a decomposing fibrous washer or some faucet "packing". They used to use graphite coated fibrous string for faucet stems.


(I hope it isn't fecal matter...I can't see how it would get into the potable water source.)

[Commander Beth]

So far we've had authoritative guesses from our family and friends ranging from "iron bacteria", through "pipe corrosion", "poop", and "microscopic shrimp" (apparently NYC drinking water is chock-full of tiny shrimp, who knew).

[Commander Beth]

Originally Posted by Kefir King

Beth,


Is it coming out of your hot or cold water taps...or both?
Is that snapshot magnified or actual size.


My first guess is a decomposing fibrous washer or some faucet "packing". They used to use graphite coated fibrous string for faucet stems.


(I hope it isn't fecal matter...I can't I see how it would get into the potable water source.)

Thanks. The shot is actual size. It's from both taps as far as I can tell. And yes, there's no smell at all so I doubt it's anything pooey even though my husband is having the horrors about that possibility

[Commander Beth]

The decomposition idea makes sense - I think these pipes are super old.

[Kefir King]

Originally Posted by Commander Beth

The decomposition idea makes sense - I think these pipes are super old.

So then the fibers would be metallic shreds. That should be readily visible under even a low-power microscope.


Hmmm, shrimp. Get guppies.

[WildCardSteve1]

Originally Posted by Commander Beth

The decomposition idea makes sense - I think these pipes are super old.

Second that.


Looks like ferric hydroxide to me. Does it float, or sink?


Doubt very much that it's feces, or anything like that.