Rohit T. Aggarwala on New York's Water Systems
On March 6, a capacity crowd attended the Water Works series keynote event with NYC Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala and infrastructure expert Kate Ascher.
Commissioner Aggarwala provided an overview of DEP’s operations and the vast scope of the agency’s services—everything from regulating noise and air pollution to protecting watershed land up to 125 miles from the city. He also spoke about important capital projects underway to improve the operation of our drinking water and wastewater systems, including a tunnel at the Kensico Reservoir that will bolster reliability and underground storage tanks in Gowanus that will reduce sewer overflow during rainstorms.
The presentation was followed by a lively conversation between Commissioner Aggarwala and Kate Ascher, fueled by questions from a highly engaged audience. Their talk provided insights into why New York City’s drinking water is so tasty, what goes on inside sewage treatment digesters, and the impact of new development on the wastewater system.
Water Talks: Inside DEP with Commissioner Aggarwala was produced in partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space and NYC Department of Environmental Protection, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Top photo: DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala and Kate Ascher in conversation at the keynote event for OHNY’s Water Works series on March 6. 2025. Photo: Michael Lee