By Tafline Laylin, Source: Inhabitat

Climate Central recently reported that 11 billion gallons of untreated human waste spilled into the waterways surrounding New York and New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy ripped through Northeastern United States. That is enough sewage to more than cover the entire area of New York City’s Central Park. According to the report, most of the lakes and rivers flooded in the weeks after the storm, with the last such incident occurring this past January. What’s more, we can expect more of the same as climate change escalates. Hit the jump to learn more.

The Climate Central report also reveals that the majority of the sewage made its way into the waters of New York City and northern New Jersey in the days and weeks after the storm. Authorities estimate the cleanup cost to be $3 billion to repair numerous flood-damaged treatment facilities and pumping stations. Because the damaged plants were not repaired immediately following the storm, sewage was able to flow into the waterways. The last sewage overflow occurred this past January.

Climate change continues to threaten more sewage overflows as sea levels rise and intense coastal storms increase. Massive overflow of sewage plants are expected to leak into the same water that Climate Central says millions of people rely on for food, health and recreation.