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Topics
Water policy covers a lot of ground. These topics break it into areas you can follow one at a time. They are our own categories, not official state classifications.
Coasts & oceans
Oceans & Coasts
New York’s ocean shoreline, beaches, harbors and the marine life that depends on them.
Long Island Sound
The estuary between Long Island and Connecticut, shared by two states and millions of people.
Great Lakes
Lake Erie, Lake Ontario and their connecting waters along New York’s western and northern edge.
Ecosystems
Wetlands
Marshes and swamps that filter pollution, absorb floodwater and shelter young fish and birds.
Watersheds & Rivers
Rivers, streams and the land areas that drain into them, including the watersheds that supply New York City.
Aquatic Ecosystems
The plants, animals and habitats that live in and depend on New York waters.
Fisheries
Commercial and recreational fishing, shellfish beds, and the rules that keep fish populations from collapsing.
Infrastructure & climate
Pollution
Water Quality
Rules about what may be released into New York waters, and how clean lakes, rivers and bays have to be.
PFAS & Contaminants
PFAS "forever chemicals", lead, and other emerging contaminants that show up in water supplies.
Wastewater & Sewage
What happens to water after it goes down the drain, and what happens when treatment systems overflow.
Stormwater
Rain that runs off streets and rooftops, picking up pollution before it reaches a stream or bay.
Plastics & Marine Debris
Plastic waste and microplastics that end up in waterways, beaches and the food chain.