About Your Water
United Water prides itself on meeting and exceeding all regulatory expectations for clean water.
Ground Water
Most of United Water New York's water supply comes from groundwater.
Groundwater or well water is stored below the surface of the earth in deep, porous rocks called "aquifers." Groundwater is purified naturally as it filters through layers of soil, clay, rock and sand.
As a result, groundwater requires less treatment than surface water.
We pump groundwater out of the aquifer through a well. Then we add chlorine to destroy any bacteria and viruses in the water. Next, we add corrosion control chemicals. This step helps prevent corrosion of water mains and household plumbing. It also reduces the chance of lead dissolving in the water from your plumbing.
Surface Water
About 30% of our water supply comes from lakes, rivers and reservoirs. This type of water is called surface water because it is stored on the earth’s surface.
We treat surface water at our Lake DeForest Water Treatment Plant.
This includes filtration as well as the use of chemicals for disinfection and corrosion control. Another part of the process utilizes a Dissolved Air Flotation (DAF) system which helps deliver safe, great-tasting water.
Water Quality
The quality of your drinking water is constantly monitored -- before, during and after the treatment process.
We also test the treated water in each community we serve and provide the results to the New York Department of Environmental Protection.
Read more about your water quality in our Annual Water Quality Report.