World Water Day is a United Nations observance focused on the importance of freshwater worldwide and is held annually on March 22. This global initiative raises awareness about the 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water. The theme for this year’s campaign is “Glacier Preservation,” highlighting the important role glaciers play in our global water supply and the urgent need to protect these diminishing natural resources.
We extend our appreciation to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and its employees and managers, who have been providing clean drinking water to over 9 million New Yorkers. The agency manages an extensive water supply system, including 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes, delivering approximately one billion gallons of fresh water daily.
Currently, the DEP is implementing the final phase of its $2 billion Delaware Aqueduct Repair Project to fix the world’s longest tunnel that delivers about 600 million gallons of water daily to New York City. This infrastructure initiative will prevent the daily loss of 35 million gallons of water and ensure the city’s water quality. The engineering feat includes a 2.5-mile bypass tunnel constructed 600 feet beneath the Hudson River, representing the first tunnel under the river since 1957. While repairs are underway, some residents might notice a change in taste as water will come more from the Croton Watershed than the Catskill Mountain reservoirs, but DEP confirms it will remain perfectly safe to drink.
New York City residents can contribute to water conservation through simple daily actions:
- Turn off faucets while brushing teeth or shaving, which can save nearly 11 gallons of water per person daily
- Promptly report leaks in your building
- Keep a pitcher of cold water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap until it’s cold
- Fix dripping and leaking faucets and toilets promptly
- Be mindful of water usage during everyday activities like washing dishes and doing laundry
As we observe World Water Day, we’re reminded that access to clean water is both a global concern and a local responsibility. For more information about World Water Day and global water initiatives, visit the United Nations’ official page about World Water Day.
