Delaware River Basin Commission evaluates water supply increase for regional use
What happened
The Delaware River Basin Commission is evaluating a potential increase in the basin's water supply, which currently stands at 96 billion gallons. This evaluation is intended to prepare for future drought, flooding, and saltwater infiltration due to projected sea level rise.
From gothamist.com
Why it matters
The basin supplies drinking water to four states, including New York City, which is the largest consumer and owns three of the reservoirs. The Commission's planning is critical given that New York City declared its first drought warning in over 20 years in 2024.
From gothamist.com
Who's involved
- Delaware River Basin CommissionFederal interstate agency managing the watershed and evaluating water supply options.
- New York CityLargest water consumer in the basin and owner of three major reservoirs.
- PennsylvaniaState served by the basin's water resources.
- DelawareState served by the basin's water resources.
- New JerseyState served by the basin's water resources.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- New YorkSpeculative
New York might see improved water supply security through regulatory action by the Commission.
- DelawareSpeculative
Delaware might see improved water supply security through regulatory action by the Commission.
- PennsylvaniaSpeculative
Pennsylvania might see improved water supply security through regulatory action by the Commission.
- ExelonSpeculative
Exelon might see reduced operational risk if increased water supply capacity is approved.
Possible ripples
Who this could reach next, traced step by step from the reporting. Possibilities worth considering, not forecasts.- Delaware environmental agency may adjust mandates over water supply planningDelaware environmental agency may need to adjust mandates due to water supply planningPossible
- Increased water supply may reduce operational risk for ExelonIncreased water supply capacity could reduce operational risk for ExelonPossible
- New Jersey may gain water security from basin supply reviewNew Jersey may benefit from potential increase in Delaware River water supplyPossible
- New York City's water supply may benefit from reservoir expansion studyIncreased water supply capacity could improve New York City's drinking water reliabilityPossible
- Increased water supply evaluation may affect Delaware River's flowIncreased water supply evaluation could alter the Delaware River's flow and ecosystem.Possible
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The entities involved
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Delaware River Basin Commission
United States government agency
Nothing else this week.
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Pennsylvania
state of the United States of America
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Delaware
state of the United States of America