Hoboken 'Would Become Uninhabitable Within Days' If This Happened: New Yorker Magazine

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hey, Debbie Downer, next time you're thinking about doomsday scenarios, try this one on for size: What would happen if the North Hudson Sewerage Authority plant in Hoboken completely shut down?

That's the scenario that Phil Reeve, a manager at the wastewater treatment plant, discusses in a New Yorker article this week.

The story is actually about a TV program, "How To With John Wilson," now in its third season on HBO.

Wilson's latest adventure involved heading to Hoboken's wastewater treatment plant on 16th Street, near the Weehawken border.

There, Wilson speaks with Reeve, who says that after the poopy water from Hoboken is treated, it's drinkable — even though he wouldn't do so.

Then, Reeve answers the question of what would happen if the plant shut down.

"The city would become uninhabitable within days. Maybe hours," Reeve says.

However, he fails to answer another important question: Why on earth did it take three seasons to dig into this topic?

The folks at North Hudson Sewerage say they were proud to let the crew plumb their operations.

"We are incredibly proud to have been a part of this exciting endeavor and grateful for the recognition from The New Yorker," they noted. "This collaboration exemplifies NHSA's commitment to showcasing our expertise and fostering creative partnerships."

You can read the story, and find out what else Eustace is tilling this week, here in the New Yorker.

You can find out more about Hoboken's wastewater here.

And you can read about how it almost hit the fan during Hurricane Sandy here.

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