Welcome to the Town of Greenburgh
Consolidated Water District No. 1  
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)  

   Public Works
      - How does the Town of Greenburgh get its water supply?
      - How do I know the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1 water is safe to drink?
      - What is the source of water for the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1?
      - What should I do after a water main break is repaired?
      - Is Fluoride added to the water provided by the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1?
      - Do we need to avoid wasting water?
      - What are some ways which water may be wasted?
 


    Public Works
          How does the Town of Greenburgh get its water supply?
There's a terrific article from the NY Times, written by Emily S. Rueb and illustrated by Josh Cochran that explains how the NYC water supply works.  The Town of Greenburgh receives all of its water from the NYC water supply.  Click on the link below and be prepared to be amazed at the incredible engineering work and quality controls that enable a safe and reliable flow of water to our community:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/03/24/nyregion/how-nyc-gets-its-water-new-york-101.html?_r=0   
If the NY Times link has problems, please Click Here


          How do I know the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1 water is safe to drink?
In accordance with State regulations, the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1 provides an annual report describing the quality of your drinking water.   The report provides an overview of the prior year's water quality. Included are details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to State standards.
To view the full 2015 report  Click Here
If you have any questions about these reports or your drinking water, please contact Charles Martins, Chief Water Treatment Plant Operator at (914) 989-1900. The Westchester County Health Department, Bureau of Environmental Quality has regulatory jurisdiction over the District and their phone number is (914) 813-5000.


          What is the source of water for the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1?
The District purchases all of its water from the City of New York, Department of Environmental Protection.  The water comes from the City of New York's Catskill and Delaware aqueducts. This "surface" water originates in protected watershed areas 120 miles northwest of Greenburgh in the Catskill Mountains after which it travels through a New York City owned system.


          What should I do after a water main break is repaired?

Once water is restored the water may appear to be dirty. You should flush your line using cold water. Leave the water on for 20-25 minutes. This will help clear the water of sediment.  The dirty water is being caused by sediment not bacteria.  The Town of Greenburgh's water and pipes are treated continuously by the Water Department and regulated by the Health Department and EPA.  Additionally, the Town of Greenburgh Water Department tests the water every day.



          Is Fluoride added to the water provided by the Town of Greenburgh Consolidated Water District No. 1?
Yes, our system is one of the many drinking water systems in New York State that provides drinking water with a controlled, low level of fluoride for consumer dental health protection. Fluoride is added to your water by the New York City DEP — Bureau of Water Supply before it is delivered to us. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fluoride is very effective in preventing cavities when present in drinking water at an optimal range of 0.7 to 1.2 mg/L. New York City DEP target dose of fluoride is 0.8 mg/L.


          Do we need to avoid wasting water?
Yes, we all need to do our part to avoid wasting water.  Water conservation does not have to mean suffering or inconvenience. It does mean making the most efficient use of the supply available. Water conservation means changing our habits permanently - being aware of water and thinking how much we can save every time we water the lawn, turn on a faucet, push the button to start a dish or clothes-washer, or flush a toilet. Conserving water all the time means there is less likely to be no water during droughts and every gallon of water you avoid consuming directly impacts your water bill.


          What are some ways which water may be wasted?

Water Wasted In Your Toilet:
  • A trickling toilet can waste 30 gallons per day (gpd).
  • A leaking toilet can waste 250 gpd.
  • A constantly running toilet can waste 4,000 gpd.

Water Wasted In Your Tub, Shower, or Sink:
  • A faucet with a slow drip can waste 36 gpd.
  • A faucet with a steady drip can waste 180 gpd.
  • A half open faucet can waste 1,620 gpd.
  • A fully opened faucet can waste 3,600 gpd.

Saving Water Outdoors:
  • Use a self-closing nozzle on your hose when watering your lawn or plants.
  • For landscaped areas, buy plants that need little watering.
  • Sweep, rather than use water, to clean sidewalks and driveways.

Saving Water in Your Bathroom:
  • When buying a new toilet, consider purchasing a water-saving High-Efficiency Toilet (HET) for better flushing.
  • If you have a toilet made before 1992 that uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush, place a plastic bottle filled with water in your toilet tank to save ½ gallon per flush (and remember to flush only when necessary).
  • Replace defective parts of your toilet (such as a flapper or refill valve) to eliminate leaks.
  • Turn off the water supply to your toilet, if you’re going on a long vacation.
  • Discard sanitary items in the wastebasket to avoid clogging your toilet.
  • Take short showers instead of baths; save 5-7 gallons a minute with an old showerhead; save 2-2.5 gallons a minute with a water-saving showerhead.
  • If you are taking a bath, fill the tub halfway to save 10-15 gallons.
  • Avoid running the water while brushing your teeth, shaving, or washing your hands; save 2-3 gallons a minute.

Saving Water in Your Kitchen and Laundry:
  • Only use the dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. Save more by using a short cycle.
  • When selecting a new washing machine or dishwasher, purchase an Energy Star-certified model; it uses 20-25 gallons per load vs. a standard model, which uses 45-55 gallons per load.
  • Install faucet aerators to save water and reduce flow rates by one gallon a minute.
  • Instead of running water while washing dishes, which uses 2-3 gallons a minute, fill a basin to wash and rinse dishes and use only 10 gallons.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables in a pre-filled bowl, not under running water.
 

For more conservation tips go to:
http://planning.westchestergov.com/environment/water-conservation/water-conservation-tips


 


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