Water tank reports at many NYC hospitals include mentions of rust, muck and pigeons, according to an article on the City and State New York website.
The inside of one tank was rusty and discolored, and a dead pigeon lay nearby. A different tank had bird droppings on it and was missing its roof.
These report were submitted by city hospitals, where many of the sickest and most vulnerable are treated, the article said. Even the more modern facilities have water tanks made entirely of wood – which experts say also poses a risk.
In addition, city records show many hospitals have not been filing timely water tank inspection reports, as the law requires.