Bronte Wells
New York City's waterways have been heavily polluted since the 19th century due to industrial use, sewer outflows, and stormwater runoff. The pollution of New York's ocean is a pressing issue, with the city's beaches facing frequent closures due to poor water quality. The water is tested for bacteria as an indicator of contamination, and the presence of hazardous waste and toxic contaminants poses risks to public health and safety. Climate change further exacerbates the problem, increasing the risk of exposure to contaminated water and hazardous substances during heavy rainfall and storms. With the impacts of climate change intensifying, it is crucial to address the pollution in New York's ocean and protect the health and well-being of its residents and visitors.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water quality | The water quality of NYC's beaches is generally poor, with the city's 25 beaches seeing 244 closures in the last season due to high bacteria levels and excessive rainfall. |
| Sewer system | The city's sewer system is vulnerable to corrosion and erosion from saltwater exposure, and backflow issues caused by rising tides. The Open Sewer Atlas revealed that Douglaston, located near a combined sewer discharge point, discharged 105 million gallons in 2016. |
| Stormwater management | Coastal storm surges, high-tide flooding, and rising groundwater pose risks to the sewer system and increase the risk of exposure to contaminated water and hazardous substances. |
| Industrial pollution | NYC's waterways have been heavily polluted by industrial use and sewer outflows since the 19th century. |
| Pollution sources | Combined sewer overflows, trash, microplastics, and other pollutants originating in Westchester and the Bronx threaten the river's ecology and recreation opportunities. |
| Waterbody impairment | All water bodies surrounding NYC are impaired or stressed, except the Atlantic side of the Rockaways, according to state monitoring. |
| Private vs. public beaches | Private beaches in NYC tend to have poorer water quality than public beaches due to stagnant contaminated water. |
| Beach closures | NYC beaches may be classified as open, advisory (warning), or closed based on water quality. In 2023, about 6% of water samples at public beaches exceeded the safety threshold. |
| Environmental safeguards | The Trump administration has weakened environmental safeguards, endangering wild places like Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. |
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What You'll Learn
- The NYC Health Department monitors water quality and beach facilities
- Private beaches have poorer water quality than public swimming spots
- Sewer overflows and stormwater runoff are major sources of pollution
- Climate change increases the risk of exposure to contaminated water
- The Bronx River Alliance works to restore the river's ecology
The NYC Health Department monitors water quality and beach facilities
The New York City Health Department plays a crucial role in safeguarding public health by actively monitoring water quality and beach facilities. This responsibility extends to the city's beaches, where the department conducts regular water sampling and testing to ensure safe swimming conditions.
The department's water sampling process involves taking weekly samples from all beaches, except Rockaway and Breezy Point beaches, which are sampled biweekly. These samples are meticulously tested for bacteria, serving as a critical indicator of contamination. The results are then rigorously compared against the stringent NYS Department of Health water quality standards, providing a benchmark for safe swimming environments.
During the sampling process, the health department also conducts sanitary surveys, meticulously monitoring and identifying sources of pollution that may impact beach water quality. This includes keeping a vigilant eye on floatable debris, medical or infectious waste, toxic contaminants, petroleum products, and any evidence of sewage or wastewater discharge. Each beach has an assigned rainfall threshold that is closely monitored, as high rainfall levels can introduce higher bacteria concentrations.
The NYC Health Department's diligent monitoring extends beyond bacteria levels and pollution sources. They also maintain a proactive watch for any significant incidence of related illnesses or repeated complaints and reports of illness or injury from beachgoers. Should water sample results fall short of the beach water quality standards, or if there are indications of hazardous pollution levels or health concerns, the beaches are promptly closed to ensure the safety of the public.
The department's efforts are complemented by the work of organisations like the Bronx River Alliance, which collaborates with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation. The Alliance employs volunteers to study water quality, tracking pollutants such as microplastics and bacteria indicative of raw sewage contamination. This collaborative work helps protect and restore the ecology of water bodies like the Bronx River, striving to make them ecologically healthy and publicly accessible.
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Private beaches have poorer water quality than public swimming spots
While New York City's waterways have been heavily polluted by industrial use, sewer outflows, combined sewer overflows, trash, and microplastics, the state monitoring of New York City's water bodies for recreational use indicates that all water bodies surrounding the city are either impaired or stressed, except the Atlantic side of the Rockaways.
Water quality at beaches is generally poorer during the summer months due to warmer water temperatures and a higher number of swimmers. Warmer temperatures escalate bacterial growth, and swimmers stir up the lake bottom, increasing the risk of infection. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common human bacteria used as an indicator of water quality. When E. coli reaches 400 units per 100 millilitres, it is expected that 1% of bathers may develop gastrointestinal illness (GI). Private beaches, which are used by approximately one in four Americans, are a significant source of sewage pollution. This is due to the increased flow of polluted stormwater from sprawling development, such as parking lots, roads, and larger homes, into nearby water bodies.
In 2024, 1,930 out of 3,187 tested beaches in the United States (61%) experienced at least one day when indicators of fecal contamination reached potentially unsafe levels. Fecal contamination from sources such as urban runoff, sewage overflows, and factory farms can contain pathogens that threaten the health of swimmers or force beaches to close. Sewage overflows are particularly dangerous as they contain bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can cause diseases in humans.
To enhance beach water quality, measures such as goose management, increased garbage removal, public education about personal hygiene, and bylaws regarding pet waste and bird offences can be implemented. Additionally, individuals can assess water quality before entering by looking for discolouration, murkiness, or unpleasant odours. Avoiding swimming after heavy rainfall, near stormwater drains, or in warm, slow-moving, or stagnant water is also recommended.
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Sewer overflows and stormwater runoff are major sources of pollution
New York City's sewer system is over 150 years old and combines sewage and stormwater in the same pipes, which connect directly to New York Harbour. While this system works well in dry weather, when it rains, the added volume quickly overwhelms the network. As a result, "relief structures" allow a mixture of polluted urban runoff and raw sewage to bypass water treatment plants and discharge directly into local waterways. This is known as a combined sewer overflow (CSO).
CSOs have been particularly damaging to the Jamaica Bay ecosystem and the Bronx River. In 2010, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection estimated that almost all of the nitrogen entering the bay came from CSOs. This excess nitrogen promotes the overgrowth of algae, depleting oxygen in the waterway and harming other aquatic life. When a CSO happens along the Bronx River, there is a "soggy, wet film of brown floating on the water surface".
In addition to the ecological damage, CSO events also impact the recreational use of waterbodies, making activities such as wading, swimming, boating, and fishing unsafe.
In response to the issue of CSO events, New York City has invested in "Gray" infrastructure upgrades, such as sewage treatment plants and storage tanks, as well as green infrastructure solutions, including green roofs, rain barrels, rain gardens, permeable pavement, and bioswales that catch and store rainwater. In 2011, an agreement was signed for the city and state to cut nitrogen discharge into Jamaica Bay and upgrade technology at treatment plants. More recently, the city has broken ground on a $1.6 billion project to protect the Gowanus Canal from sewage overflow, which includes the construction of two underground storage tanks with a combined capacity to prevent up to 16 million gallons of sewer overflow during rainstorms.
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Climate change increases the risk of exposure to contaminated water
New York City's waterways have been heavily polluted since the 19th century by industrial use, sewer outflows, combined sewer overflows, trash, microplastics, and other pollutants. Climate change poses a significant risk of exposure to contaminated water, with coastal storm surges, high-tide flooding, and rising groundwater threatening the integrity of the sewer system.
Climate change increases the frequency and intensity of heavy downpours, leading to more flooding and pollution entering waterways. During storms and heavy rainfall, floodwaters can disturb contaminated sediments, releasing pollutants, and inundating areas where hazardous materials are stored. This results in a higher risk of exposure to contaminated water and hazardous substances.
The impact of climate change on water quality is evident in the increased water temperatures causing eutrophication and excess algal growth, compromising drinking water sources. Higher temperatures and evaporation rates lead to increased water demand, putting a strain on water resources. Additionally, changes in precipitation patterns can lead to more severe and prolonged droughts, further exacerbating water scarcity.
The Southwest, southern Great Plains, and Southeast regions of the United States are particularly vulnerable to these prolonged droughts, according to the National Climate Assessment. Climate change also affects the water cycle, altering how we use water and increasing the need for it. Green infrastructure, such as parks, wetlands, and bioretention areas, can help absorb and filter runoff, reducing the amount of pollution entering water bodies.
The risks associated with contaminated water are significant, as highlighted by the World Health Organization. In 2022, globally, at least 1.7 billion people used a drinking water source contaminated with faeces, leading to diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. Climate change, coupled with population growth, is expected to exacerbate water stress in many regions, underscoring the urgent need to address these issues.
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The Bronx River Alliance works to restore the river's ecology
The Bronx River Alliance is dedicated to restoring the ecology of the Bronx River, the only freshwater river in New York City. The river has been heavily polluted since the 19th century due to industrial use, sewer outflows, and urbanisation. Today, it continues to be polluted by combined sewer overflows, trash, microplastics, and other pollutants. These issues pose a threat to the river's ecology and the health of the surrounding communities.
The Alliance works in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and other organisations to address these issues and restore the river's health. One of their key initiatives is the Ecology Program, which is led by the Ecology Team—a committee of scientists, community activists, and public agency representatives. The Ecology Team provides guidance and resources, helping the Alliance identify and prioritise ecological restoration projects. They meet quarterly to discuss, evaluate, and promote environmental studies and on-the-ground projects that enhance the river's ecological health and its watershed.
The Conservation Crew, a dedicated group of volunteers, serves as the "eyes and ears" of the river. They are responsible for spotting and reporting oil spills, removing channel blockages and trail hazards, and maintaining the natural areas surrounding the river. They also lead restoration efforts through invasive plant removal, native species plantings, green infrastructure maintenance, and riparian restoration. The Crew's work is guided by the ecological principles set by the Ecology Team, ensuring that all projects align with the goal of restoring the river's ecology.
The Bronx River Alliance also works to engage and involve the community in their efforts. They advocate for sound policy and sustainable practices to improve the health of the river and other local waterways. Through citizen science, they monitor and study water quality, tracking pollutants such as microplastics and bacteria indicating raw sewage contamination. The Alliance's goal is to make the Bronx River an ecologically healthy and publicly accessible space for recreation, education, and economic activities for the communities in the Bronx and beyond.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the ocean near NYC is polluted. The city's private beaches have consistently displayed poorer water quality than public swimming spots. Contaminated water remains stagnant in the harbors of semi-enclosed lands where private beaches are located.
The ocean in NYC is polluted due to industrial use, sewer outflows, stormwater runoff, and sewage overflows.
Exposure to polluted water can have health implications for the people of NYC. Every year, millions of beachgoers return home feeling unwell due to bacteria from human and animal waste in the water.
The NYC Health Department monitors and inspects beaches, water quality, and beach facilities. They collect water samples and monitor rain, contaminants, and other environmental conditions. The Bronx River Alliance also works to protect and restore the ecology of the Bronx River.
