Salinity and Its Impact
The Croton Water System, supplying 10% of 's drinking water, is experiencing increased salinity due to road salt, posing a future risk to its viability as a water source.
A study projects that by 2100, without intervention, the system could transform into a recreational facility, halting its role as a water supply, affecting over 9 million residents.
Solutions and Challenges
Potential solutions include expensive reverse osmosis, mixing with less salty water from other watersheds, or reducing local road salt use, challenging due to cost and energy demands.
State Senator Pete Harckham emphasizes the need for collective action among state agencies and local governments to address the salinity issue, highlighting the urgency and complexity of the challenge.