OCWA–Central New York’s Water Authority–recently published its Annual Water Quality Report and Consumer Confidence Report for the year ending December 31, 2020. Throughout this report readers can find useful information specifically related to OCWA as well as information related to water in general.
2020 was a challenging year for all of us. The COVID pandemic brought on hardships for many and changes that impacted all Central New Yorkers. Through it all, we are proud to report that the water OCWA supplied to our 500,000+ consumers continued to meet all regulatory requirements for safety and quality.
Last year also saw the beginning of construction on the first phase of the Lake Ontario water treatment plant improvements. The Lake Ontario facilities were constructed in the late 1960’s and have served the community well for over 50 years. The first phase of the project includes the replacement of the electrical substations for both the Lake Ontario intake site and the water treatment plant campus. This phase also includes the addition of auxiliary power generators that will allow for continuous operations during a power outage, similar to other OCWA system facilities.
Our ongoing investment in the replacement and renewal of aging watermains continued as well. We replaced 21,193 feet of watermain and completed watermain renewal projects of an additional 7,000 feet in two neighborhoods.
With respect to overall water quality, the Otisco Lake Water Treatment Plant has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for each of the last 23 years for its compliance with the Agency’s Partnership for Safe Water. Additionally, the Lake Ontario Water Treatment Plant, was recognized for its 6th consecutive year of compliance with the Partnership program. It should be noted the Partnership for Safe Water is a voluntary program that holds its program partners to a higher water quality standard than currently required under the Safe Drinking Water Act and is a clear indicator of OCWA’s commitment to providing the high-quality water that the Authority customers deserve and demand.
To learn more about the OCWA water system and water supply, you are urged to read the information included in this report. Readers that have questions regarding the report or require additional information can contact OCWA’s Water Quality Manager Lisa Yesensky by calling 315-455-7061, extension 3157.