NYC Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani referenced Avatar: The Last Airbender while announcing a major water infrastructure project in Central Park.
"In Season 1, Episode 16 of Avatar: The Last Airbender, Jeong Jeong of the Order of the White Lotus teaches us: water brings healing and life.
While lacking waterbending powers, New York City has engineered a cutting-edge recirculation system for Central Park's Pool, Loch, and Meer to replace the current use of precious drinking water with a reusable supply, redirecting clean water into homes. Additionally, the system allows water levels to be lowered ahead of major storms to reduce flooding risks and sewer overflow. Funded by $35 million in public and private investments, the landmark project is projected to save over 175 million gallons of clean water annually."