Main | Tuesday, August 31, 2010

NYC's Tap Water Isn't Kosher

Gizmodo reports that NYC's famously delicious tap water is full of jillions of microscopic shellfish called copepods, rather alarming news for city's Orthodox, especially as the High Holy Days approach. As NYC's water supply is of such high quality that the EPA does not require mechanical filtering, the nation's "leading kosher certification organization" has issued the following instructions:
• Tap water in New York City (i.e., the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island) should be filtered before drinking;
• Products already manufactured may be used, even if made with unfiltered water;
• The water supply of dishwashers does not require filtering. Similarly, dishes may be washed by hand in unfiltered water if the dishes are subsequently towel dried, or left to drip-dry without “puddles” of water in them;
• Water should not be filtered on Shabbat or Yom Tov because of the prohibition of borer (selection). Rather, filtering should be done before Shabbat and the water should be stored for Shabbat use. One may, however, filter water for non-food purposes on Shabbat and Yom Tov.
• Bottled water is permitted for use.
Maybe it's these tiny shrimp that give the water its unique taste?

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