On days when it hasn’t recently rained, city waters are typically safe for kayaking and recreation. Really! But almost every time it rains, polluted stormwater runoff mixes with raw sewage in the combined sewer system and overflows into our waterways where people swim, fish, and boat. These are called “combined sewer overflows.” New York City discharges more than 20 billion gallons of sewage each year. That volume could fill the Empire State Building 72 times! The problem is as gross — and dangerous — as it sounds. People who come into contact with contaminated water are at risk of developing intestinal illnesses, rashes, and infections. New York City must properly notify the public when its sewers are discharging. Demand that the New York City Department of Environmental Protection comply with the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act.
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Dear [Decision Maker],
Sincerely,[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP]
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