What's in Your Faucet? Climate Change and New York City's Water Supply

Want to become more informed and engaged on issues of climate change?

The New York Public Library, together with Melville House, is hosting a monthly series for the New York City community to engage with the Climate Report, published in 2018 by the U.S. Global Change Research Program.

This month, we'll consider the availability, quality, and distribution of water, focusing on New York City's drinking water system.  In the wake of changing climate conditions and municipal water supply disasters like Flint, how are we ensuring that New Yorkers have continued access to safe water?

We will be joined by Paul Gallay, president of Riverkeeper.  For over fifty years, Riverkeeper has worked to protect the Hudson River and the drinking water it provides to New York's communities.  Riverkeeper fights pollution and infrastructural decay, while simultaneously working to improve wildlife habitats, foster sustainable energy, increase investment in water supply and sewer systems, and rally fellow citizens to restore their local river fronts.

After participating in a lively discussion, attendees can view selections from the environmental records of the Library's Manuscripts and Archives Division.  By situating the Library's archival collections within the current environmental moment, we can consider how present-day activism is tied to a rich historical context.

Attendees will receive a copy of the Climate Report, courtesy of Melville House.  Program is free, but attendance is capped to foster close discussion.

Read more about the Climate Change Reading Group.

ASL interpretation and real-time (CART) captioning available upon request. Please submit your request at least two weeks in advance by emailing accessibility@nypl.org.