NEW REPORT Troubled Waters: An Analysis of Clean Water Act Compliance

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) has been a leader in efforts to preserve the quality of drinking water for millions of New Yorkers.

NYPIRG is one of the five environmental organizations that are signatories to the 1997 Watershed Memorandum of Agreement, known as MOA or “the Watershed Agreement.” Signed by New York State, New York City, EPA, and upstate watershed communities in addition to the environmental groups, the Watershed Agreement is intended to be a framework for comprehensive watershed protection. It requires intense participation and vigilance.

Protecting the watershed makes good economic sense. Currently, EPA has granted the city a Filtration Avoidance Determination (FAD) for the Catskill/Delaware Watershed. If the City fails to protect the Catskill/Delaware, it will be forced to construct a filtration plant that is projected to cost between $4 and $8 billion, with $300 to $500 million in annual operating costs and debt service, and there is no guarantee that it will preserve public health.

Protecting our water supply is an ongoing effort. New York City continues to provide safe drinking water and progress in recent years has enhanced watershed protection. However, the onslaught of development in the watershed, especially in Westchester and Putnam Counties, poses a major threat to the success of the entire watershed protection program. There is much work to be done.