New York City Commits to Green Infrastructure

New York City has officially joined a growing number of cities around the country in embracing a smarter approach to reducing water pollution, according to NRDC's blog Switchboard. Using techniques like strategically located street plantings, porous pavements and green roofs, collectively known as green infrastructure, New York is turning the problem of excess stormwater into a solution that will improve the health and livability of its neighborhoods, while cleaning up the waterways that course through and around the city.

Cities nationwide are facing a stormwater infrastructure crisis of epic proportions, with the nation’s water infrastructure receiving a near-failing D-minus grade from civil engineers and estimates of over $100 billion needed to fix just the stormwater and sewer overflow problems (let alone drinking water needs).

City officials in New York, Philadelphia and dozens of cities around the country are finding that green infrastructure, which absorbs rain before it reaches the sewer system (lessening the load it needs to process so there are fewer overflows), can be a more cost-effective solution that not only slashes water pollution, but also provides flood protection, beautifies communities, improves air quality and cuts energy costs.

To read the full blog post, click here.

Source: NRDC