NYC DEP Water Prosumers and Digital Demand Management
What is a water prosumer? A water prosumer is an active participant in the water cycle who manages demand to improve system resilience. In New York City, NYC DEP supports this shift through digital tools like My DEP Account and the Wait... App, as well as the Water Conservation and Reuse Grant Pilot Program, which funds onsite systems like the 400,000 gpd facility at the Domino District.
The relationship between water utilities and the public is shifting from a passive service model to a collaborative partnership. In the circular water economy, customers are no longer just consumers; they are becoming water prosumers who actively participate in maintaining system resilience.
Digital Tools for Active Demand Management
Active demand management treats water consumption as a controllable variable rather than an unpredictable factor. In New York City, digital tools empower residents with real-time insights:
- My DEP Account: A portal providing usage data and automated leak notifications to prevent water waste.
- Wait... Mobile App: A real-time engagement tool that signals New Yorkers to delay water use during heavy rain, protecting the capacity of the combined sewer system.
Decentralized Systems and Building-Scale Reuse
To support the growth of the water prosumer, the agency offers the Water Conservation and Reuse Grant Pilot Program. This provides funding for developers to install building-scale or district-scale reuse systems that recycle greywater for non-potable uses like toilet flushing.
A prime example is the Domino District project in Brooklyn, designed to treat wastewater for non-potable use, reducing the demand on the city’s potable supply.
Related report: Water Utility of the Future: New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
| Program | Target | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Reuse Grant Pilot | Commercial/Residential Developers | Onsite non-potable reuse |
| Rain Barrel Giveaway | Homeowners | Stormwater runoff reduction |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Wait... App help NYC DEP manage demand?
It sends real-time signals during heavy rain, asking New Yorkers to voluntarily delay water-intensive chores to increase capacity in the combined sewer system.
What is the Domino District reuse project?
It is a building-scale project in Brooklyn designed to treat wastewater for non-potable reuse, supported by the NYC DEP to lower municipal network loads.
Explore the Full Intelligence Report
Learn how NYC DEP is transforming governance and infrastructure to support the water prosumer of the future. Read the full report: Water Utility of the Future: New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
