Water & Green Infrastructure

New York City drinking water is world-renowned for its quality. Each day, more than 1 billion gallons of fresh, clean water is delivered from large upstate reservoirs—some more than 125 miles from the City—to the taps of nine million customers throughout New York City.

The DOE plays and integral role in meeting citywide water conservation and green infrastructure goals. We work closely with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to upgrade plumbing fixtures and install green infrastructure at our 500 largest schools citywide. To mitigate storm water runoff that overburdens sewage systems, the DOE works with partner organizations to install gardens and green space, permeable pavements, and rain catchment systems to prevent runoff.

In 2018-2019, the DOE:

• Added 5,634 high-efficiency bathroom fixtures across NYC schools with funding from the Department of Environmental Protection

• Awarded 15 water refill stations through our annual Sustainability Project Grant