Water Watch NYC

Everything you need to know about water in NYC.

Monthly Archives: November 2016


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Leon G. Billings, Author of Clean Air Act, Dies at 78

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We are saddened to hear the news of Leon G. Billings’ passing. Billings was a staunch environmental advocate and a leader in passing environmental laws and regulations.

He was the principal author of the 1970 Clean Air Act, and as the first director of the Senate environment subcommittee, headed the 1972 Clean Water Act and 1977 amendments for antipollution laws.

Today we enjoy a more pristine world because of Billings, and those, who like him, have committed themselves to preserving the environment. Let us honor his memory by striving to further his life’s work of making a cleaner earth and more sustainable future.

It has always been our goal at Ashokan to do our part in safeguarding the environment. Today we remember the legacy left by Leon G. Billings, and hope his memory will inspire others to do the same.

 


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drought20161104bigThe entire New York State is now on “Drought Watch”. The category is merely  advisory, and does not mandate conservation. I hope the residents of NYC appreciate how the DEP’s large water reserves insulating them from what could be a major inconvenience. Enjoy the sunny days, but pray for rain in the Watershed.


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NYC Reservoir Level

Last weeks rain barely hit the Catskills. The small amount of moisture fell on dry soil, and was quickly absorbed. New York’s reservoir level keeps dropping. It now stands at 56.8%. How low can the reservoirs go before the city becomes concerned and declares a drought?


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NYC Drought

New York’s reservoir level has dropped to 57.9% of capacity. Back in the eighties the Water Board issued droughts warnings when the reservoir level fell below 60%. Due to years of water conservation, NYC is sitting pretty, while the rest of the North-East is experiencing a major drought. How low can it go before the

To be honest the city is reluctant to declare a drought in the autumn, when there is a good chance that the winter precipitation will refill the reservoirs.

The questions is “How low can it go before a drought is declared”.