Recreational Water Advisory For Jamaica Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 12
October 31, 2012
Contact:
Chris Gilbride/Ted Timbers (DEP) (718) 595-6600 Chanel Caraway (DOHMH) (347) 396-4177

Recreational Water Advisory For Hudson River, East River, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay and Kill Van Kull

Due to flooding and power related shutdowns caused by Hurricane Sandy, wastewater treatment plants and pumping stations have discharged untreated wastewater into New York City waterways.  The New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene advises that direct contact with the Hudson River, East River, New York Harbor, Jamaica Bay and the Kill Van Kull for recreational activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing or any other water activity that would entail possible direct contact with the water should be avoided until further notice.

The Department of Environmental Protection is responding to the impacts caused by Hurricane Sandy on its waste water treatment facilities and will monitor water quality conditions through testing to verify when these water bodies are safe for recreational uses.