Today, an amazing system of reservoirs and lakes, aqueducts, tunnels and water mains distributes about 1.3 billion gallons of water daily to nearly 9 million people. Throughout its history, New York City’s ability to provide a reliable source of water for its citizens has allowed it to grow and develop into a great urban center. However in the very near future, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will need to shut down elements of this system for preventive maintenance. In addition, the water load produced in storms causes the sewer systems to overflow into our rivers and estuaries, resulting in pollution. Click on these two websites for more information.
How to conserve water in building
Download Battery Park City Authority’s Green Guidelines for information regarding these and other strategies:
- Gather rain water and reuse for irrigation and toilets
- Use extra-low-flow fixtures
- Use greywater systems
How to conserve water at home
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has the do’s and don’ts of water conservation.
Water rate discount program, also available through DEP. Find out how you can reduce your water rate by recycling the potable water brought to you from the reservoirs upstate.
Water conservation under the new New York City Plumbing Code (Local Law 99 of 2005)
Download Local Law 99 of 2005 (pdf - 1, 636 kb) and go to Appendix C of the NYC Plumbing Code section (very near the end of this large document) to learn how you will be able to implement an approved Water Conservation Program in your building. All the new New York City Construction Codes will go into effect in July 2008.
Local Law 86/2005 is the City's "green buildings law" because it requires new buildings and major alterations to be designed according to LEED standards (see www.USGBC.org for more information on LEED). In addition, it has higher standards for energy and water consumption, depending upon the above project types or other alterations. Download Local Law 86/2005 (118 kb), and a summary of the requirements (26 kb).
PlaNYC 2030 is Mayor Bloomberg's major planning initiative for the next quarter century. A major goal of the plan is to develop critical back up systems of our aging water network to ensure long-term reliability. Read the plan and find out how you can help.
