The Demand Management Unit within DEP is tasked with development of a citywide strategy that will outline DEP's plan for implementation of water demand management projects between now and 2021. The Water Demand Management Plan identifies six key strategies for managing water demand in New York City in light of the Water for the Future program, and details 21 specific initiatives to be implemented over the next eight years in order to achieve targeted water demand reductions.
Students at Highland Middle School in Ulster County received a demonstration by the DEP Police Aviation Unit, including a helicopter landing and question-and-answer session. Pam Elardo, P.E., has been appointed Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Wastewater Treatment (BWT). Several BWT employees competed in the New Jersey Water Environmental Association (NJWEA) Spring Fling Operations Challenge 2016. The Department of Environmental Protection is hosting blood drives at several locations to help offset supply shortages at the New York Blood Center.
The 30th annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest, held at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center, hosted a record-breaking 1,800 participants from schools in New York City and Watershed communities. New York City bans the use of hands-free phones for all operators of city vehicles apart from emergency personnel. The Gilboa Dam rehabilitation project has earned its third major award, for engineering excellence from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC).