The document discusses various ways that individuals can help improve water quality in New York City's waterways. It begins by providing background on the types of pollution found in the city's waterways, including plastic and chemicals. It then defines different types of water systems like floatables, stormwater, and wastewater. The document provides examples of everyday actions people can take to reduce pollution from litter, cleaning storm drains, proper disposal of fats/oils/grease, and conserving water. Small changes like shorter showers, turning off the water while brushing teeth, and fixing leaks can collectively save thousands of gallons of water each month.

2. Sometimes buzzwords like “sustainability” and “conservation” leave a bad taste in people’s mouths.
Like a David Blaine magic trick, you suddenly have a gob full of crunchy granola. However, when
faced with the impending doom of climate change, maybe renewable isn’t so ridiculous.
In the city that never sleeps, no one and nothing grinds harder than our waterways. Our oceans,
rivers, and watersheds are the heart of our city, and like a heart pumps blood, they connect people
across all boroughs and the world. It regulates climate, produces oxygen, provides valuable
medicines, and so much more!
Good news! According to the NYC's most recent Harbor Survey Report, the Harbor is cleaner now
than at any time in the last 100 years. Bad news: there are still currently 165 million plastic particles
poisoning the waters of New York City at any given time. Our harbor and surrounding waterways
are literally choked with plastic—Get it? Litter-ally—from takeout containers and plastic bags, to
Styrofoam and microbeads that end up in the food supply, according to a February report by NY/NJ
Baykeeper, an environmental group.
It’s no secret that as these plastics breakdown, they leach cancer-causing chemicals, including PCBs
and dioxins, into the ecosystem, causing crippling ecological and economic damages. In order
to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative we take
responsibility to care for our waterways as they care for us.
Follow along as we cover a variety of mostly free, simple, everyday changes for more efficient water
usage and conservation. Who knows? You might even save a little money on your next water bill!

3. You might be thinking,
“Wow, our waterways are gross.
What can I do to help?”
Well, let’s start with some basic vocabulary
to explain the different types of water that
contribute to our water system.

4. FLOATABLES:
Water-borne litter and debris, mainly from street litter, that ends up in NYC storm drains and
sewers. These are all the items that wash ashore on the beach, form trash-bergs in the river,
and aids in brewing those unappetizing stews in the ditches between subway rails. During
heavy rainstorms, floatables are discharged into the surrounding waters when the water
flow into treatment plants exceeds capacity.
How can you help?
Don’t litter or throw trash into storm drains, especially coffee cups and napkins.
Wait for the next wastebasket!
Don’t pile candy wrappers or fast-food packaging onto
garbage bags awaiting collection.
Place garbage out for collection in cans with
tightly fitting lids or heavyweight plastic bags.
Behavior is learned. If you see littering,
tell your friends, family, children, and
even total strangers that garbage
belongs in the garbage.

5. Rain and melting snow conveyed over non-porous
surfaces, such as rooftops, streets, & sidewalks. These
surfaces cover approx. 72% of NYC’s 305 sq mi and generates
a large amount of stormwater.
Stormwater poses challenges to the City by triggering combined
sewer overflows, washing pollutants into our waters, and causing
flooding, which is usually compounded by storm drains packed with litter.
STORMWATER:
How can you help?
Clear your storm drain. Dispose of any debris that may accumulate, and check
the guidelines and dates of the city’s free leaf collection program in the fall.
Conserve water. The less water we use, the less sanitary flow we create and the
more space there will be for stormwater runoff during heavy storms. Reducing
our waste flow also has the added benefit of curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

6. WASTEWATER:
Our city’s 14 wastewater treatment plants treat 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily.
This system combines everything from tap water, water from washing machines or flushing
toilets, and runoff that enters sewers from weather.
FOG – Fats, Oils, and Grease:
Fats, oil, and grease found in food ingredients are major concerns for New York City’s sewers.
Petroleum-based oils can also cause sewer-related problems. How?
Car washing can result in soap and oil residue entering the
storm sewers.
Runoff from your sprinkler, watering hose, or from the rain
can carry yard waste and fertilizer into storm sewers.
A gallon of oil poured down a storm drain could contaminate
up to 1 million gallons of water.

7. WASTEWATER: How can you help?
Place cooled cooking oil, poultry, and meat fats in sealed non-recyclable
containers and discard with your regular garbage. DO NOT pour them down the
drain or into the toilet.
Use paper towels to wipe residual grease or oil off of dishes, pots, and pans prior
to washing them.
Recycle used motor oil. Put your used oil in a sturdy container, such as a plastic
milk jug, and take it to your local service station for recycling. DO NOT dump it
into street or house drains. It builds up in the sewer system and
constricts flow, which causes sewer backups into homes and
overflow discharges onto streets. It can also interfere
with sewage treatment.

8. Washing your car? Use a nozzle or
turn off the water while you work.
You’ll save up to 100 gallons
every time. That’s the equivalent
of 20 water cooler jugs.
With these small changes, you could save
13,220 gallons of water per month. Really.
EVERYDAY SAVINGS:
1:

9. Time your shower to keep it
under 10 minutes. You’ll
save up to 500 gallons per
month. That’s the equivalent
of 100 water cooler jugs per
month.
Turn the water off while you
brush your teeth and save
up to 800 gallons a month
for a family of four. That’s
the equivalent of 160 water
cooler jugs per month.
2: 3:

10. Run your washing machine
and dishwasher only when
they’re full. You can save up
to 1,000 gallons a month.
That’s the equivalent of 200
water bottles per month.
A leaking toilet can waste
250 gallons of water per day.
That’s the equivalent of 50
water cooler jugs per month.
4: 6:

11. A faucet with a slow drip can waste
1,080 gallons of water per month.
That’s the equivalent of 216 water
cooler jugs per month.
Grab a wrench and fix your leaky
faucet! It’s easy, cheap, and can save
you 560 gallons a week. That’s the
equivalent of 112 water cooler jugs
per month.
6:
7: