Updated: October 1, 2001

Statement on Water Supply Security

DEP has been on heightened security alert since the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. DEP's security program has been reviewed by federal agencies, including the FBI and the Army Corps of Engineers. We coordinate security efforts with Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies. DEP Police, Watershed Inspectors and other DEP employees are on constant alert for unusual activities in the watershed and at Water Supply facilities. Surveillance at facilities and properties is conducted in various ways that may not be apparent to residents or passersby. Some roadways have been closed at reservoirs and all permitted recreational activities have been suspended on the City's Water Supply properties, including fishing at the reservoirs.

Water quality is monitored at reservoirs and throughout the distribution system, both up-state and in the City. Over 900 sampling stations are located in the five boroughs. Water samples are analyzed for an extensive variety of metals, chemicals, organics and other potential contaminants at DEP's high-tech laboratories in the watershed and the City. Drinking water quality throughout the period following the WTC attack has been its usual excellent quality and meets all Federal and State health-related standards.

Watershed residents and visitors are encouraged to report unusual incidents or activities in the watershed to 1-888-DEP-NYC1 (1-888-337-6921) or 1-888-H2O-SHED (1-888-426-7433) and in the City to 718-DEP-HELP (718-337-4357).

We regret that some of our security measures may inconvenience people in the watershed, but they are prudent and necessary under the circumstances related to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.