NYPD Deploys Conservation Dogs to Protect Water Supply
Trained canines are assisting in the detection of invasive zebra mussels in city reservoirs.
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has enlisted a team of highly trained conservation dogs to help safeguard the city's vast water supply. These specialized canines are being deployed to reservoirs in Westchester County, specifically Titicus and Cross River, to detect invasive zebra mussels.
Conservation dogs represent a novel approach for the DEP in its ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of the nation's largest unfiltered water system. The DEP spokesperson highlighted this initiative as a testament to the agency's commitment to water quality protection.
Dogs possess a sense of smell that is exponentially more sensitive than that of humans, making them invaluable for identifying species that are difficult to locate through conventional survey methods. Zebra mussels, in particular, pose a significant threat as they can obstruct pipes and alter water chemistry. Their rapid reproduction and ability to embed themselves in underwater infrastructure make them a persistent challenge.
One of the dogs, a Labrador named Peat, lives with his handler, Arden Blumenthal, who leads the program. Peat is specifically trained to identify zebra mussels and actively searches areas like boat launches, storage zones, and shorelines around the reservoirs. Blumenthal described Peat as a dedicated worker, contrasting his focused professional demeanor with his playful, affectionate personality when off-duty.
The program, initiated in March, received a $400,000 contract from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference for these specialized "dog services." The funding covers the detection, delineation, and management of invasive species. Blumenthal noted that the cost primarily reflects the significant time investment required for training and maintaining the dogs' peak performance in challenging terrains.
In late September, the DEP partnered with the state to expand the search for zebra mussels across New York's reservoirs. Currently, three dogs—Peat, another Labrador, and an Australian cattle dog—are part of the state's Dogs for Invasive Species Control initiative, surveying parks and waterways for invasive species. The program plans to expand its canine team with a fourth dog.
