Below the surface of New York City lurks an immense grid of pipes designed to carry water in various states of grossness. They bring us water for drinking, washing our clothes, and putting out fires. This same water carries away our dirt, our soapy water, and our poo – the poo of eight million New Yorkers. Where does the water go?
A group of NYC high school students from City-as-School explored the Water Underground – the millions of gallons flowing beneath New York City and the people who make it their business. They conducted site interviews, reviewed government documents, and videotaped interviews with government workers, environmental activists, water scientists, and more.
The students worked with CUP to produce a video called The Water Underground, which has screened in classrooms, environmental organizations, juvenile detention centers, and film festivals across the country. The crew also developed the Sewer in a Suitcase, a working model of New York City’s sewer system, which has demonstrated combined sewer overflow to hundreds of New Yorkers, from pre-schoolers to Community Boards.
Join us for some deep thinking with your own copy of The Water Undergound today.
To get a Sewer in a Suitcase workshop for your science class, environmental organization, or community group, click here.
You can also watch the video here: