9. A Lot of NYC’s Water Comes from Reservoirs Built on Drowned Towns

As Untapped Cities previously reported, the Catskill Aqueduct System was formed by flooding a dozen towns. During the construction of the Catskill System, 2,000 people were relocated from the area and 32 cemeteries were unearthed. The 1800 bodies were later buried elsewhere and the families were given $15 for burial arrangements. In addition, buildings and trees were torn down and industries were relocated to make room for the aqueducts. Today, when water levels are lower during some seasons, remnants of these towns emerge in the reservoir.