City Council approves hydroelectric power study

The City Council unanimously passed legislation co-sponsored by Councilman Oliver Koppell that will require the city to study its potential for hydroelectric power. 

The Department of Environmental Protection will examine the city’s water supply, wastewater treatment facilities and waterways for possible sources of energy.

The New York City watershed consists of 19 reservoirs, three lakes and 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts, according to a press release. The city’s water utility infrastructure also includes 7,400 miles of sewer lines and 14 sewage treatment plants. 

“Renewable energy solutions such as hydropower are part of New York City’s future, but only if we envision a cleaner more sustainable future and act on that vision,” Mr. Koppell said in a statement.