NEW YORK - New York City water is the cleanest water in the state and Long Island's is the dirtiest. 

That's according to a study published by the New York Public Interest Research Group praises the city's water.

They say the difference is where the water is coming from and how it’s protected.

They say the city has a unique "source-water protection program" that limits development and pollution near its water sources upstate.

Long Island’s public water systems on the other hand, draw water from wells sunk in sandy soils that are easily polluted.

The group suggests the city's water protection program should be used as a model for the rest of the state.

They also recommend that the state implement testing, water source protection, and a database of contaminants in public water systems.