Rising Salt Levels Threaten New York City’s Secondary Water Supply
Suburban reservoirs, a crucial source providing 10% of New York City’s esteemed drinking water, are increasingly affected by salinity. Decades of road salt application in proximity to the water system are causing elevated salt concentrations, prompting city officials to caution that these reservoirs may eventually become unusable if current trends are not reversed.
Study: Croton Water System at Risk by Next Century
A recent study indicates that the Croton Water System, supplying a portion of the city’s water, could be rendered inoperable by the early part of the next century. This escalating salt intrusion poses a threat to the distinctive flavor of New York City’s water, often celebrated as “the champagne of tap water,” and presents a significant challenge for managers overseeing a system that caters to over 9 million residents.
Official Warns of Potential System Loss
Rohit Aggarwala, the city’s environmental protection commissioner, stated in an interview with The Associated Press, “The finding of this research is that without changes to our practices, the Croton Water System will transform into a recreational area rather than a potable water source by 2100.” He emphasized, “This will directly affect every New York City water consumer.”
The Historic Croton Water System
Established in 1842, the Croton system initially delivered water via the first Croton Aqueduct to a reservoir located in present-day Central Park. Currently, it encompasses twelve reservoirs and three controlled lakes situated north of the city.
Significant Increase in Salinity Detected
The study revealed a stark increase in chloride concentration – a marker for salinization – within the system’s primary reservoir, approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) north of the city. Chloride levels have tripled between 1987 and 2019 and are projected to surpass the state’s maximum contaminant level for chloride by 2108.
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Salinity Concentrated in Croton Watershed
While the report documented increased salinity throughout the extensive network of city reservoirs in upstate New York, the Delaware and Catskill watersheds, which provide approximately 90% of the city’s water, are significantly less impacted. This disparity is likely attributed to less development within these western watersheds.
Road Salt: A Primary Contributor
Road salt is identified as a major factor driving this increase in salinity, alongside discharges from sewage treatment facilities and residential water softeners. Each winter, millions of tons of rock salt are utilized on U.S. roadways as an economical and efficient method for accident prevention.
National Issue: Salt Contamination in Waterways
Shannon Roback, science director for the environmental advocacy group Riverkeeper, commented on the widespread nature of the problem: “Salt contamination is a nationwide concern in regions experiencing considerable snowfall. Elevated salt concentrations in water sources are observed across the Northeast, the Midwest, and most areas where road salt is applied.”
Health and Environmental Implications
Roback further emphasized the serious environmental repercussions and potential health risks associated with high salt levels in drinking water, particularly for individuals adhering to low-sodium diets.
City Considers Mitigation Strategies
Commissioner Aggarwala outlined several potential solutions being considered by the city.
Possible Solutions: Reverse Osmosis and Water Mixing
While reverse osmosis systems can remove salt from water supplies, this technology is energy-intensive and carries a high cost. Another option involves blending Croton water with less saline water from the city’s other watersheds. However, the commissioner noted this approach would not address the needs of over a dozen municipalities north of New York City that depend on the Croton system for their water supply.
Focus on Road Salt Reduction
City officials believe that a more practical approach lies in curtailing local road salt usage. This could involve encouraging state and local road maintenance crews to adopt salt alternatives, utilize plow sensors to accurately measure road surface temperatures, or implement automatic shut-off systems on salt applicators during plow U-turns and K-turns.
State Legislative Action Proposed
State Senator Pete Harckham, representing the affected region, described the report as alarming, though not unexpected given the documented closures of numerous community wells due to excessive chloride concentrations. The Democratic senator is sponsoring legislative measures aimed at addressing the road salt problem, including a bill specifically focused on studying the issue within the Croton watershed.
Call for Collaborative Action
“State agencies, local governments, and all stakeholders must collaborate to address this challenge,” Senator Harckham urged, “because this is a significant and pressing issue.”