Viewing NYC Articles Categorized Under Water

[REPOST] [WATCH] How Oyster Beds Can Rebuild New York Harbor

2026-03-20T12:00:00-04:00

New York Harbor was a haven of incredible underwater biodiversity—until centuries of pollution turned it into a cesspool. Today, an alliance of architects, restaurateurs, scientists, and high school students is working to restore the harbor and protect the city from climate change. At the heart of the effort is a tiny creature with an outsized talent for cleanup: the extraordinary oyster.

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[VIDEO] The NYC Skyline Has Thousands of Water Tanks. Here's How They Get Made

2025-12-24T12:00:00-05:00

Ever look up and notice the thousands of water tanks all across the New York City skyline? How do these massive water containers get on top of so many building rooftops? And how are they assembled? Here's a look at how the construction process takes shape from New Jersey to Tribeca.

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[WATCH] Exploring the Heavily Polluted Gowanus Canal

2025-11-17T12:00:00-05:00

Join me as I paddle the entire length of the infamous Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn, NY. The canal is known to be one of the most polluted waterways in the United States, but finally the EPA has started its cleanup efforts. The canal was bustling with activity and there was so much to see. I also took a detour to check out the old Red Hook Grain Terminal and paddled alongside a huge vessel which looked to be out of commission. It was great to be back on the Gowanus Canal and I hope you enjoyed this adventure as much as I did!

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[VIDEO] This Canal Was NYC’s Future — Now It’s Forgotten

2025-10-08T12:00:00-04:00

The New York State Barge Canal, originally known as the Erie Canal, was first completed in 1825 to provide a navigable water route between the Hudson River and the Great Lakes. It played a crucial role in the economic development of New York State and the Midwest, facilitating trade and migration. By the late 19th century, the original canal had become outdated due to the rise of larger boats and increasing freight demands. In response, the state initiated a major modernization project in 1905, resulting in the New York State Barge Canal, which was officially completed in 1918. This newly expanded system incorporated the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals, utilizing a series of locks and dams to accommodate larger vessels.

Throughout the 20th century, the Barge Canal continued to serve as a vital transportation link but faced competition from railroads and highways. While commercial use declined significantly by the mid-1900s, the canal system found new life as a recreational waterway, attracting boaters, tourists, and history enthusiasts. In 2017, the New York State Barge Canal was designated a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its engineering significance and impact on American commerce. Today, the canal remains an integral part of New York’s heritage, with ongoing preservation efforts ensuring its historical and recreational value for future generations.

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[WATCH] Empire State Plumbing: The Secret Behind Water at 1,454 Feet!

2025-07-01T12:00:00-04:00

This is the story of how water defies gravity to reach the top of one of the most iconic buildings in the world: the Empire State Building. After exploring the journey of NYC’s water system in our previous video, we’re taking it to new heights! This time, we uncover the engineering brilliance inside skyscrapers and the history of the tallest buildings that define New York’s legendary skyline. Huge thanks to the Empire State Building for giving us an inside look.

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[WATCH] Revealed: Diving into New York's Oysters History

2025-06-02T12:00:00-04:00

On this episode, we explore the fascinating history of the oyster- both as a food and an environmental super star.

0:00 - Diving into the History of New York's Oysters
1:25 - Meeting a Clammer on Long Island
2:42 - Do New Yorkers eat clams?
3:16 - What happened to oysters in New York City?
5:40 - What happened to oysters in New York Harbor?
6:42 - Where are the best places to find oysters?
8:10 - How do microhabitats influence the taste of oysters?
9:22 - What is the Billion Oyster Project?
15:37 - Has the Billion Oyster Project been effective?
16:16 - How are New York students getting involved?
18:48 - Why should we care about oysters?

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[WATCH] Learn How Two Norwegians Crossed the Atlantic on a Rowboat From New York City in 1896

2025-05-30T12:00:00-04:00

On his BookwormHistory channel, YouTuber and historian Dan Thurber recently detailed the incredible story of George Harbo and Frank Samuelsen, two Norwegians who rowed across the Atlantic Ocean from New York City all the way to France.

This week on “A City Full of History” we’re at the Battery to discuss the wild and wonderful journey of George Harbo and Frank Samuelsen, two fishermen who rowed across the Atlantic in 1896!

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[VIDEO] The FULL Story of Where NYC's Water Comes From

2025-05-29T12:00:00-04:00

This is the story of where New York City's water comes from - perhaps the most impressive water system in the world. This video took us over six months to make, but is a project we've been dreaming up since we started Public Opinion. Thanks to the hardworking folks at the DEP for maintaining this incredible system and for giving us an inside look.

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Vintage Photograph Shows a Busy Central Park Lake in the Summer of 1942

2025-05-09T12:00:00-04:00

Snapped by photojournalist Marjory Collins in September of 1942, this great vintage photograph shows a busy Central Park lake filled with rowboats. Also captured in the foreground of the shot is a couple watching the activity on the lake from the "Rock With a View". Here is a Google StreetView of approximately the same vantage point today:

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[WATCH] Urban Kayaking: 7 Miles on One of NYC's Most Neglected Waterways

2025-04-17T12:00:00-04:00

Come with me as I explore New York City's Newtown Creek. Newtown Creek is one of the most heavily polluted industrial waterways in the United States, but that didn't stop me from wanting to venture into the area via kayak. This creek separates Brooklyn and Queens and connects to the East River. In 2010 Newtown Creek was officially designated as a Superfund site and is scheduled to be cleaned up by the EPA in 2032. Organizations like the Newtown Creek Alliance have also been formed to revitalize and improve the creek. Despite the heavy contamination, there were many interesting sights to see along the way and it was a unique experience.

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