Public Participation and the New York City Watershed: A Case Study

Years ago farsighted visionaries preserved the New York City watershed with its plentiful sources and excellent quality. As development encroached, pollution threatened to degrade that pristine quality. Seth Luxenberg chronicles how many groups with competing interests had to come together if the threat were to be avoided. Developing trust between the groups and motivating conflicting forces to unite on a common goal, offers lessons for others who increasingly face similar threats. In the years ahead developing and preserving clean water in countries around the world will be one of the greatest challenges that public health officials will face. Millions of people die each year from a lack of clean water. It is a challenge that we must conquer or face dire consequences.

Autorentext

Seth Luxenberg has conducted research on water policy in Australia and New York and worked for the U.S. Department of State on water issues. A public policy graduate of Cornell University, he has also worked on a project to develop small and reliable water treatment plants in Honduras and elsewhere in the developing world.