Diving the New York water tunnels

[ScubaSteve]

As a way of reviving this thread, I doubt that anyone has done any diving in these tunnels. While it sounds like a fun excursion, it is the source for one half of New York City's potable water. Aside from possible security issues, if I lived in NYC, I wouldn't want your neoprened butt swimming around in my tap water.

I agree that the system does not have any real "diving" potential. My Uncle's company is one of only a few companies in Canada that are certified to dive in Pottable water. I am not sure of the full set of differences, but I can only imagine it would be a real PITA. Thrown on top of that the Security issue and I am far from interested. I give these guys credit that are working on the NY tunnels....it would be a difficult job. One that I would not want. So, I tip my hat in their direction.

 

[brockbr]

It's amazing that you can live off of 2-3% O2.

Not too amazing really when you consider their pO2 is 0.51 (that would be (700ft / 34ffw) * 0.025 (for 2.5% o2))

By comparison,
Normal day-in-day-out living on the surface will yield a pO2 of 0.21
A pO2 of 0.18-0.15 is allowable pressure altitude on a commercial flight.

b.

 

[Blackwood]

"breathing air that is 97.5 percent helium and 2.5 percent oxygen"


How is that air?

 

[scubadobadoo]

As a way of reviving this thread, I doubt that anyone has done any diving in these tunnels. While it sounds like a fun excursion, it is the source for one half of New York City's potable water. Aside from possible security issues, if I lived in NYC, I wouldn't want your neoprened butt swimming around in my tap water.

I have gone potty in my wet suit in Ginnie Springs. That water is the starting point for a whole lot of bottled water in the US. Yummie, bottled water!