2006 Consumer Confidence Report & Annual Water Supply Statement
Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP)
The NYS DOH has evaluated OCWA's susceptibility to
contamination under the Source Water Assessment
Program (SWAP), and their findings are summarized in
the paragraphs below. It is important to stress that
these assessments were created using available
information and only estimate the potential for source
water contamination. Elevated susceptibility ratings
do not mean that source water contamination has or
will occur for OCWA. OCWA provides treatment and
regular monitoring to ensure the water delivered to
consumers meets all applicable standards.
This assessment found a moderate susceptibility to
contamination for OCWA's Otisco Lake source of
drinking water. The amount of row crops in the
assessment area results in a medium susceptibility to
pesticides. No permitted discharges are found in the
assessment area. There is also noteworthy
contamination susceptibility associated with other
discrete contaminant sources, and these facility types
include mines. While lakes are not generally
considered to have a high natural sensitivity to
phosphorus in SWAP, this lake already shows algae
problems. Therefore, additional phosphorus
contribution would likely result in further water
quality degradation.
Water purchased from Metropolitan
Water Board:
The Great Lakes' watershed is exceptionally large and
too big for a detailed evaluation in the SWAP. General
drinking water concerns for public water supplies
which use these sources include storm-generated
turbidity, wastewater, toxic sediments, shipping-related
spills, and problems associated with exotic
species (such as zebra mussels—intake clogging and taste
and odor problems). The summary below is based on the
analysis of the contaminant inventory compiled for the
drainage area deemed most likely to impact drinking
water quality at this public water supply intake.
This assessment found a moderate susceptibility to
contamination for this source of drinking water. The
amount of agricultural lands in the assessment area
results in elevated potential for pesticides
contamination. Nonsanitary wastes may increase
contamination potential. There is also noteworthy
contamination susceptibility associated with other
discrete contaminant sources, and these facility types
include mines.
Water purchased from the City
of Syracuse:
This assessment found a moderate susceptibility to
contamination for this source of drinking water. The
amount of pasture in the assessment area results in a
high potential for protozoa contamination. No
permitted discharges are found in the assessment area.
There are no likely contamination threats associated
with other discrete contaminant sources, even though
some facilities were found in low densities.
More information:  or 315-455-7061
After hours & weekend emergency answering service 315-475-7601
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