New York City’s Wastewater


	New York City’s Wastewater New York City’s 14 wastewater treatment plants together treat 1.3 billion gallons of wastewater daily. Our system combines sanitary flow, created each time a New Yorker turns on a tap, runs a washing machine or flushes a toilet, and runoff that enters our sewers whenever it rains or snows. This complex system quietly does a job we simply can’t live without. This section provides an in-depth look at New York City's wastewater treatment process. Topics include the testing of New York City waterways, pollution control programs, beneficial use of biosolids, and how you can make a difference.


		New York’s Wastewater Treatment System The amazing treatment system that cleans our wastewater consists of: over 6,000 miles of sewer pipes; 135,000 sewer catch basins; over 495 permitted outfalls for the discharge of combined sewer overflows (CSOs); 96 wastewater pumping stations that transport it to 14 wastewater treatment plants located throughout the 5 boroughs. Learn more

		Preventing Fats, Oils, and Grease Discharges Into Sewers Residential and commercial guidelines for preventing the discharge of fats, oil grease into public sewers. Learn more

		Biosolids Management Program New York City produces approximately 1,200 tons of biosolids every day from its fourteen water pollution control plants. In 1988, ocean disposal of biosolids was banned by the federal government and New York City was required to find alternative land-based use for this material. Learn more

		Significant Non-compliance List DEP is required to publish a list of establishments in New York City that were in significant non-compliance with pretreatment standards and other wastewater requirements. Learn more

New York’s Wastewater Treatment System