2007 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
(e.g. 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 PWS
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. Non-sanitary
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
|
|
|
