DeFalco raises concerns with Intro 931 mobile drinking fountains

Regarding Intro 931 on mobile drinking fountains, this bill would require DEP to maintain a fleet of mobile drinking fountains and deploy them throughout the city when temperatures are expected to exceed 82 degrees.

We absolutely understand the concern behind this bill.

Extreme heat is dangerous and access to drinking water is an important part of the city's response.

That said, there are a number of concerns that we have with the legislation as currently written.

DEP's first responsibility during periods of extreme heat is to make sure that New Yorkers continue to have safe, reliable drinking water coming out of their taps.

Hot weather places additional demands on our water system and our workforce, things like managing open hydrants and other water conditions.

Requiring DEP employees to simultaneously deploy, operate, and maintain a separate fleet of mobile drinking fountains would require significant additional resources and could pull personnel away from the critical water supply and infrastructure responsibilities at exactly the time that we need the most.

We believe there may be better ways to accomplish this goal of increasing access to drinking water during extreme heat.

The city's implemented a record number of cooling stations.

We've got nearly 600.

They're strategically placed around the city, providing water and air conditioning.

And there are more than 3,400 water fountains and parks around the city.

NYSIM and DOT have been testing and launching a number of cooling initiatives, such as pop-up misting stations and installing heat adaptation measures in right-of-ways and bus shelters.

We'd be happy to work with the council and our partner agencies to expand existing cooling resources.

resources and explore additional options.