Saltier Water Supply

The DEP’s “Salinity Management Assessment” report, which covers nearly 33 years of data, reveals a concerning trend: all 12 reservoirs and three controlled lakes in the Croton water supply system are showing increasing levels of salinity. If this trend continues unchecked, officials warn that parts of the system may need to be abandoned in the coming decades.

Current Trends and Predictions

Published on March 21, the study suggests that while immediate action may not be required until 2100, the escalating salinity levels could affect the distinctive taste of New York City’s tap water, often lauded as some of the best in the nation. Rohit Aggarwala, the city’s environmental protection commissioner, noted, “If we don’t change our ways, in 2100 the Croton Water System becomes a nice recreational facility, but it ceases to be a water supply.” This situation would directly impact the approximately 9 million residents relying on this water source.

Primary Contributors to Salinity

The reported increases in salinity are primarily attributed to several factors:

• Extensive use of road salt for de-icing in winter months.
• Discharges from sewage treatment plants.
• Usage of water softening systems in households.

According to Shannon Roback, science director for the environmental organization Riverkeeper, “It’s really a problem across the country in areas with a lot of snow.”

Long-term Effects and Mitigation Strategies

High salinity in drinking water can have detrimental effects on public health, particularly for individuals adhering to low-sodium diets. Furthermore, water filtration systems currently in use are insufficient for removing salt, meaning that effective solutions will require significant investment in desalinization technology.

To combat this issue, the study recommends:

• Implementing practices that diminish human-induced salinity contributions.
• Expanding research efforts to identify specific pollution sources.
• Raising public awareness about the salinity issues threatening freshwater supplies.

City officials have also proposed mixing Croton water with less salty supplies from other watersheds as a temporary solution, though this would not address the needs of the municipalities relying solely on the Croton system.

Future Collaborations and Legislative Efforts

State Senator Pete Harckham acknowledged the alarming nature of the salinity findings and is pushing for legislation aimed at addressing the road salt usage in the Croton watershed. He emphasized the need for collaboration among state agencies, local governments, and the community to tackle this emerging challenge.