
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Tensions in small towns downstream from New York City's upstate Ashokan Reservoir have flared over muddy water releases.
The city has released water into the Lower Esopus Creek when the reservoir is particularly clouded with silt to help protect a water supply that serves 9 million people to the south. But many residents around the Esopus say the surges are killing fish, devaluing their property and ruining the creek.
Plans being reviewed by state regulators to manage the releases have done little to ease concerns.
New York City officials who run the upstate reservoir system say they are attempting to balance the needs of people downstate who drink the water and of the upstate watershed residents.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)