New Ideas CityHello Museum

Sewer in a Suitcase

Cover Image:

The hidden workings of New York City’s water infrastructure. Photo Credit: Maggie Lee

Part of the Street Program

What happens to water after we’ve used it? Sewer in a Suitcase will demystify the hidden workings of New York City’s water infrastructure by following the journey water takes beyond the drain. New York relies on something called a combined sewer system. Storm water from streets and rooftops is collected into the same network of pipes as dirty water from toilets, sinks, and showers. When it rains a lot, the combined sewage and storm water overflow directly into local waterways. Explore the mechanics of these events and what they mean for our health and environment.