Carrie Whitaker

In my thesis, I will examine issues relating to New York City's water supply. In order to comply with federal regulations, New York City is currenty under pressure to either enact stringent regulations in order to protect upstate watersheds or build a multi-billion dollar filtration plant. To understand this current dilemma, I will be examining the historical development of New York's water supply system. I will then look at New York City's proposals to purchase upstate lands for watershed protection and the regulations being imposed on farms in the watershed, both major elements of New York City's plan to avoid a filtration plant. Throughout my thesis, I will address the long-standing tension between New York City's water needs and the interests of upstate watershed communities.