$35.7 million Central Park project pairs flood control with water savings
New York City and New York state have broken ground on a $35.7 million stormwater management project in Central Park aimed at reducing flooding in Harlem and East Harlem while conserving drinking water. The North End Recirculation Project will manage stormwater across a 204-acre watershed, helping reduce runoff entering the city’s combined sewer system.
Once completed, the project is expected to divert approximately 132 million gallons of water from local sewers annually while conserving an estimated 175 million gallons of potable water each year. By improving stormwater collection and recirculation, the initiative will help alleviate pressure on existing sewer infrastructure while supporting water conservation efforts throughout the surrounding communities.
The investment highlights the growing role of integrated water management systems in urban infrastructure development. By combining flood mitigation, sewer system improvements and water conservation within a single project, the initiative is expected to strengthen neighborhood resilience, improve infrastructure efficiency and support the long-term sustainability of New York City’s water resources.
