New York City’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) held a news conference on Dec. 22 atop the Kensico Dam in Valhalla to announce a new purchase of 48 acres of watershed land to help protect the New York City drinking water supply, which also is used by many communities in Westchester..
The $12.56 million spent for the land is said to be the most spent in a single watershed purchase in the DEP’s history. All of the newly purchased land is within the Kensico Reservoir watershed.
“As climate change and development create new challenges, we are focusing our resources where they will have the greatest impact on water quality,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Protecting land near Kensico is one of the smartest ways we can do that.”
The New York City watershed covers more than 200,000 acres primarily in the Catskill Mountains, where most of the City’s drinking water originates. All of that water ultimately passes through the Kensico Reservoir on its way to homes and businesses across the region.
DEP already owns land along the entire shoreline of the Kensico Reservoir and several nearby parcels. DEP says that adding the newly acquired forested 48-acre property increases protection of natural streams and hillsides that help filter stormwater before it reaches the reservoir. By controlling what runs into the reservoir the city has been able to ensure that the water meets standards and does not have to be put through a filtration plant.
“Clean, safe drinking water is vital for all New Yorkers,” said New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers. “This historic $12.56 million purchase near the Kensico Reservoir is a major step in protecting our water supply for generations to come. It not only safeguards New York City’s drinking water but also strengthens local communities in Westchester by preserving the natural resources that keep our region healthy.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins described the Kensico Reservoir as being one of the most critical pieces of water infrastructure in the region.
“This historic land acquisition is a smart and forward-looking investment that protects water quality at its source and safeguards public health for generations to come,” Jenkins said. “Westchester County applauds New York City, the Department of Environmental Protection and environmental advocates for continuing their commitment to protecting the Kensico Reservoir and clean and fresh drinking water.”
The Kensico Reservoir has supplied water to New York City since 1915. It can hold up to 30 billion gallons of water and typically handles about 90% of the city’s total drinking water supply, as well as water for much of Westchester County.
