MakingWaves - News from the Division of Water

Celebrate Water Week

Please join the Division of Water in celebrating Water Week, May 4 – 8. For 35 years, New York has set aside the first full week in May to focus on its abundant water resources, highlight water issues and encourage stewardship. This year’s theme is: Five Decades of Water Protection and Restoration to highlight milestones in water management since the first Earth Day 50 years ago.

During Water Week, the Division of Water will be sending you, our MakingWaves audience, daily special editions of MakingWaves. Each edition will inform and test your knowledge about the history of water management. Also, each day we will provide links where you can find more information about the day’s topics.

For ideas on ways to protect and conserve water resources, go to DEC’s Watershed Stewardship and Keep Water Clean webpages.

Don't Flush Wipes or Other Garbage

Certain materials flushed down toilets can damage sewer systems, wastewater treatment operations, or private septic systems, even when they are labeled as flushable. Correcting the damage is expensive, so do not flush any of the items listed below, no matter how small. Please throw them in the trash. 

• diapers
• baby wipes
• disinfectant wipes
• personal hygiene products
• any paper products other than toilet paper (e.g., paper towels, facial tissues, paper napkins)

The Virtual Hudson River

As schools have shifted to online learning, DEC's Hudson River estuary educators are finding new ways of connecting with students, teachers, and families. Each week, educators are creating opportunities to discover the Hudson River virtually. The Virtual River introduces the natural world of the Hudson through educational videos, interactive lessons, and activities for those now schooling from home. The content is developed for a mix of ages so families can learn together about their local environment online.  

Deadline Extended for Environmental Excellence Awards Applications

DEC has extended the deadline to submit applications for the 17th annual Environmental Excellence Awards program. The Environmental Excellence Awards recognize businesses, institutions, municipalities, and organizations for outstanding commitments to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and economic viability. The new deadline for applications is Friday, May 15, 2020.