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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Water Wasted In Your Toilet: