Is tap water in US safe to drink?

Question

This might sound silly but I come from a place where we would typically have to buy bottled water or boil tap water to drink, so now that I'm spending 5 weeks at a Yale dorm, is it safe to drink from the taps here (specifically in the dorms)?
Also, I don't see any bottled water station with 20 litre bottles and dispensers to drink from, so I assume the college expects the students to drink from the taps (I've read various sources that it's safe to drink from most US taps) or go out and buy a bottled water.

One thing I noticed is that it does taste a little bleachy, but that might just be me.

EDIT: The dorm's sinks themselves don't look too clean and also it is a collection of pretty old buildings (at least on the outside, the inside does look more modern though). Pipes that are not behind walls in some areas have been covered in paint, so it's hard to tell whether it's prone to lead leaks or not. Doubt I could carry out a lead concentration level test either.

Answer 1

Virtually all municipal water systems in the United States provide clean and safe drinking water. Water supplies are regulated by the government and must be tested regularly. Water safety problems are generally well publicized, often national news if they are significant, and emergency notices are issued if a rare temporary situation, such as a water main break, results in unsafe water. Note that the situation may be different for well water in remote areas, but if you're in such a place, chances are good you're talking to the owner of the well, who can advise you.

Specifically at Yale, you might see this 2010 article from the Yale Daily News about New Haven tap water. You may read the most recent water quality report from the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority for up-to-date information. The local water meets all regulatory standards.

Some old buildings may have old pipes that can impart an off taste or even leach lead into the water. While it may be worth testing for lead someplace where small children will be living for years, I wouldn't be concerned about an adult taking a five week course. You should also avoid eating peeling paint.

If you don't like the taste of your water, you could consider investing in a pitcher filter, which you can keep in a refrigerator to ensure you have a supply of cold drinking water. I can't say whether you'll like that taste better, but it should be at least a bit different after passing through the filter. Bottled water is another choice, but note that most bottled water is simply US tap water, and that the legal requirements for bottled water are actually less stringent than the ones for tap water. You can also fill up a water bottle at drinking fountains or water bottle refilling stations on campus.

Answer 2

Generally, tap water in the US is drinkable. You can read the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act for how it is regulated. So, yes, it is usually safe to use tap water for drinking, brushing your teeth, etc.

It does happen that water that should be safe is not. In this case, a warning is issued once the issue is discovered. There will be public notices until water becomes drinkable again.

The chlorinated taste comes from the process used to make it drinkable, so you should be reassured by it! You are also right that there are bottled water is less common when water is drinkable. There are also often water fountains which are simply unfiltered cooled down tap water. You will find those near public washrooms in many places.