Why does NYC divert less water than they are allowed under the Decree? Couldn this undiverted water be devoted to other purposes?
New York City has substantially reduced its per capita consumption through an aggressive program of conservation and loss reduction. Although the result is that a portion of NYC’s authorized diversion is not directly utilized, NYC remains authorized to divert 800 mgd. Potential future events and changing conditions, such as the unavailability of water from other parts of the NYC water supply system or increased demand, mean that NYC may need to use their full authorization at any point in time. In any event, NYS supports the continued development of sustainable programs to make best use of all water available while maintaining NYC’s rights under the Supreme Court Decree.
