Protecting New York City's drinking water sources

New York City provides approximately 1.4 billion gallons (5.3 × 106 cubic metres) per day of water to 8 million people in the City and to 1 million people in upstate communities - almost half the population of New York State. In addition, millions of commuters and tourists consume water from the City's system. Although this supply consistently meets all State and federal water quality standards, New York City recognises that maintaining high-quality source water through effective watershed protection is essential for public health protection. However, the fact that approximately 74% of the 1969-square-mile watershed is not under either City or State ownership makes effective protection a considerable challenge.