The New York City Department of Environmental Protection is reviewing a proposal to convert energy from water spilling over four upstate reservoir dams into electricity, according to the Daily Freeman.

NYC's upstate watershed region supplies 60 to 90 percent of the drinking water for the city and surrounding communities.Under the proposal, the Delaware County Electric Cooperative would collaborate with the DEP under a "memorandum of understanding" that would allow the nonprofit electric cooperative to install turbine units producing hydropower from dams on the Schoharie, Cannonsville, Pepacton and Neversink reservoirs. The DCEC currently serves about 5,100 customers, and could power 20,000 more homes during peak spring months if the plan is approved.

Sen. Charles Schumer said that "if done right ... the creation of these hydro plants can ensure that upstate will receive something more in return - in the form of a long-term, stable and local supply of energy that will economically propel communities from every pocket of the state."