NYLPI RELEASES NEW REPORT, “SOS: SAVE OUR SEWERS,” AND HOMEOWNER RESOURCE GUIDE

This report, born from the urgent concerns raised by over 100 homeowners at the June 28, 2025, Homeowner Resiliency Town Hall in Southeast Queens, documents the escalating crisis of stormwater flooding and sewer backups in New York City. It addresses the profound need for a centralized resource that acknowledges the community's lived experiences, defines the scale of the problem, and provides a clear guide to the resources available to combat this ongoing threat and continue the progress that has been made.

As Councilmember Nantasha Williams stated following the town hall, "The work we started that day continues, through legislation, partnerships, and by making sure residents have access to clear information and real support."

This report synthesizes community experiences, expert analysis, and a review of current policy and projects to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges residents face, the pathways toward sustainable solutions, and the progress so far. Key findings indicate that the city's sewer systems, designed for a bygone era or, in some areas, never installed at all, are now routinely overwhelmed, leading to devastating property damage, significant financial burdens, and acute public health risks. Nearly one million homes and multifamily buildings in the New York City metropolitan area are at high risk of flooding, and 82,000 housing units could be lost due to flooding by 2040.

Learn more and download the report here.

Download the resource guide here.

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