Who is covered
Owners of buildings served by a drinking-water storage tank — typically taller residential and commercial buildings with rooftop or gravity tanks.
What the law requires
- Have a qualified contractor inspect the tank and collect a water sample during the calendar year.
- Process the sample through a certified lab for bacteriological results.
- Clean and disinfect the tank when the inspection or sample requires it; document before/after.
- File the annual inspection result with DOHMH (online submission) by January 15 of the following year.
Filing frequency and deadlines
Penalty structure
Non-compliance with Water Tank can result in the following penalties:
- DOHMH violation and civil penalties for failure to inspect, sample, or file.
- Public-health enforcement for contaminated or improperly maintained tanks.
Exemptions
- Buildings with no potable water storage tank (direct city-pressure service only).
Recent updates and amendments
DOHMH requires online submission of annual results. Confirm the current submission portal and the January 15 reporting date before relying on it for an enforcement-sensitive deadline.
Reference
Official source: NYC DOHMH — Drinking Water Tank Inspection
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