This week, OCWA – Central New York’s Water Authority, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the completion of major improvements to our Lake Ontario Water Treatment Plant. The substantial upgrades improved the safety, reliability, and efficiency of this important facility that has been in service since 1967.
Primary renovations included:
- Replacement of existing clarifiers with better performing contact basins
- Replacement of the filter surface wash system with air scour to improve filter cleaning efficiency
- Replacement of electrical power distribution and control systems
- Replacement of lighting, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems for improved efficiency
- Replacement of existing valves and actuators to improve process control
- Removal of hazardous building material (flooring, ceiling tiles, insulation, etc.)
- Building code improvements for accessibility and fire safety
- Renovation of staff bathrooms/locker rooms to meet new code requirements
The $43 million project, started in March of 2022, has received multiple awards including:
- Environmental Project of the Year from the American Public Works Association New York Chapter Central Branch
- NYS Chapter Award from the American Public Works Association
- 2025 American Council of Engineering Companies New York Platinum Award in the Water Resources category
We also celebrated the start of the newly begun Clearwell Project. Two new finished water storage tanks and one backwash tank are being constructed on the plant campus, further improving the efficiency of the plant’s processes and increasing sustainability.
Ribbon Cutting Event 8.20.25
Both projects mark significant milestones in OCWA’s commitment to providing safe, reliable, and high-quality water to Central New York!
For more on OCWA’s Capital Improvement Program visit https://www.ocwa.org/projects/capital-improvement-program/.