DEC, DOH announce new 'Know your NY Water' website to increase public awareness about water resources

New resource provides single platform for information about quality of drinking water and health of lakes, rivers & streams

The New York State departments of Environmental Conservation and Health launched a new website, “Know Your NY Water,” created as part of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s statewide Water Quality Rapid Response Team efforts, established in 2016. The website, created by DEC and DOH in partnership with the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, will provide New Yorkers with information about the state’s public drinking water and the health of New York’s abundant lakes, rivers and streams, as well as waters used for recreation and habitat protection.

“Protecting New York’s waters is paramount to DEC,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Our collaborative effort to develop ‘Know Your NY Water’ is an example of Gov. Cuomo’s leadership to ensure all New Yorkers have access to information about the quality of our state’s precious water resources. DEC worked closely with our partners at the Department of Health and the Office of Information Technology Services to develop this new, accessible interface and help New Yorkers learn more about our water and our efforts to safeguard it.”

“Assuring the delivery of clean drinking water is critical to the public health and wellbeing of all New Yorkers,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “This website provides a more holistic picture of how water is protected even before it reaches the tap.”

“ITS is pleased to partner with DEC and DOH to provide New Yorkers access to vital information about their drinking water. Integrating geographically based mapping information into the ‘Know Your NY Water’ website provides a new and interactive way for site visitors to easily access location-based water information and maps. Under Gov. Cuomo’s leadership, ITS will continue to work with our clients to develop innovation that matters for all New Yorkers,” said New York State Chief Information Officer Robert Samson.

“Know Your NY Water” is a map-based website that users can search by location to learn more about the water they use every day. The website allows users to find the nearest large public drinking water system and view its annual drinking water quality report and contact information. New Yorkers on public water supplies will continue to receive annual water quality reports directly from their water suppliers, in addition to the information available on this website.

In addition, “Know Your NY Water” features a map of New York’s waterbodies and links to fact sheets about lakes and streams that provide information about water quality, causes and sources of water quality impairments, and the status of restoration efforts. Visit the “Know Your NY Water” website. For more information about public drinking water, contact the local health department. For information about New York state lakes, rivers, and streams contact DEC at [email protected].