A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to requiring water quality testing and the posting of water quality testing results online

Summary

This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct water quality testing at at least 15 testing sites within New York City’s waterbodies. The bill would require DEP to choose such testing sites in areas that are used for secondary contact recreation such as boating and fishing, within 1,000 feet of a combined sewer outfall, and within 5 to 20 feet of a waterbody’s shore or other access point, or as close as possible to a shore or other access point while maintaining 5 feet of water depth. Under this bill, such testing would be required monthly from November to April, and weekly from May to October. Finally, the bill would require DEP to post their water quality testing results online—bacteria results would be posted every week, and other water quality indicators would be posted quarterly.

Official summary of legislation · NYC Council