New York City invests in watershed protection to maintain natural purification services and reduce water costs

Due to degradation of New York City's water source areas, their water has dropped below EPA standards. The cost of developing a filtration plant was estimated along with the cost of restoring the watershed's natural purification abilities. The cost of restoring the watershed's natural purification ability was found to be a fraction of what it would cost to construct and maintain a filtration plant. The city is now using funds to purchase and halt development, compensate land owners for restrictions on private development, and to subsidize septic system improvements.