Water We Doing?

Introduction- Sophia Urove
Water quality is a persistent issue that affects the bodies of water surrounding the five boroughs that make up New York City. One of the most revealing assessments of water quality can be found through measuring the levels of enterococci in the water. Enterococci is a fecal indicator bacteria. High levels of this bacteria have been known to indicate the presence of additional deadly diseases and viruses. Four examples of locations affected by enterococci (though to different degrees), are the Pier 96 Kayak Launch, East River Mid-channel, Yonkers Sewage Treatment Overflow, and Newtown Creek. Yonkers and Newtown Creek are areas that are primarily populated by ethnic minorities. The amount of enterococci is high in the water surrounding these communities. Conversely, Pier 96 and the East River are located in white, affluent neighborhoods. At these sites, enterococci bacteria tends to be found in comparatively lower amounts. The data gathered by the nonprofit Riverkeeper indicates the level of enterococci in the water after annual tests. This data shows the connection between these different neighborhoods and the state of the environment around them.

Data/Analysis- Amy Lam & Hanna Yeum
This data table and graph show the amount of enterococcus, a fecal contamination indicator that has been EPA-approved, in four different locations around New York City. The less feces detected, the lower the enterococcus count. The more feces detected, the higher the enterococcus count. Water quality varies by location and time and wet weather seems to be a common trigger for sewage contamination.
Levels of contamination are generally lower mid-channel where the water is deeper and parts of the river are well mixed. This is demonstrated by the low levels from sample sites in East River mid-channel at 23rd St. and Pier 96. They have the lowest amount of enterococci over the past two years.
Levels of contamination tend to be higher near the shoreline and at the confluence of tributaries. This is demonstrated by the higher levels in sample sites Newtown Creek and Yonkers, where the enterococcus count was some of the highest over the past two years.
Another point to consider is that these locations have a different demographic makeup. East River and Pier 96 are situated in predominantly white neighborhoods, whereas Newtown Creek and Yonkers are situated in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods.

Conclusion- Marieya Jagroop
Water quality in New York City varies by community. Communities of color tend to have high levels of contamination within the water surrounding them. Whereas, neighborhoods with Caucasians tend to have cleaner, safer water. Water quality perfectly exemplifies the environmental racism that occurs within NYC. Environmental racism leaves usually individuals of color and/or lower economic classes struggling to live safely. These communities don’t receive as much help or funding in order to ensure the protection of their people. The effects of poor water quality are endless. People can end up contracting cholera, typhoid, malaria, and other infectious diseases. Sewage pollution contaminates the biodiversity in the water, which will ultimately end up being consumed by community members. This poses a major health risk. Water pollution continues to be a major threat to city members. To protect our waters, it’s essential to keep the appropriate parties accountable and spread awareness on the benefits of not polluting local waters.

PDF of Data and Visualizations

PDF of Presentation