United Water New York: Water Supply

United Water New York draws about 80% of its water supply from wells throughout Rockland County. The remaining 20% is supplied from a surface source, Lake DeForest in Clarkstown.

United Water New York filed Long-Term Water Supply Project with New York State Public Service Commission

On January 15, 2007, United Water New York filed its plans for a Long-term Water Supply Project with the New York State Public Service Commission. The plan details the company's plans to construct a desalination facility that will treat water from the Hudson River as a long-term water supply solution for its customers in Rockland County. The Plan is also available for viewing at the company’s headquarters at 360 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, NY

Long-Term Water Supply Plan

Long Term Water Supply Press Release

At United Water we take great pride in our ability to provide you with drinking water that meets or surpasses all state and federal standards. We constantly monitor the quality of your drinking water -- before, during and after the treatment process. We patrol the watershed and routinely test the water at our wells and in the rivers and streams that supply our reservoirs. We also test the treated water in each community we serve and provide the results to the New York Department of Environmental Protection.

Our Annual Water Quality Report provides detailed information about your water quality. You can download a portable document format (pdf) of our report. To view or print, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.

View Annual Water Quality Reports

United Water New York
	United Water Owego
	United Water Nichols
	Blue Lake System
	Indian Kill System
	Maple Brook System
	NYU Housing System
	Sterling Lake System

Well Water Treatment Process

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. This process, known as "percolation" takes years to complete. 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. Now the water is safe to drink and we pump it to your home.

Well Water Treatment Schematic

Surface Water Treatment Process

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. The process begins when we pump the water from the Lake DeForest Reservoir into the plant. During the pumping process chemical is added to oxidize inorganic material and the water passes through screens which remove large objects prior to entering the pumps. The water then proceeds to our new DAF (Dissolved Air Flotation) system. A coagulant (Aluminum Sulfate) is added as the water enters the DAF system. This allows smaller particles to form larger particles, called “Floc”, getting the water ready to enter the final step of the DAF process. In this step, millions of micro bubbles are added to the water floating the particles (Floc) to the top (residuals). The residuals are removed and the clean water proceeds to the filters. It is during this step that chlorine is added. Chlorine destroys bacteria and viruses in the water. The water passes through the filters (layers of coal, sand and gravel) to remove the smallest remaining particles. Next, the water receives another small dose of chlorine to be sure that the water remains pure and safe as it travels to your home. Finally, we add corrosion control chemicals. This step helps prevent corrosion of the water mains and household plumbing. It also reduces the chance of lead dissolving in the water from your plumbing. Now the water is safe to drink and we pump it to your home.

Surface Water Treatment Schematic

We take many steps to ensure the safety of both the raw water supply and the finished drinking water. But, we must be prepared for any emergency. So, there is a plan in place to notify you if a hazardous condition should arise in the water supply. The Rockland County Department of Health will use radio, TV, newspapers or mobile public address units to keep you informed. Posters and door-to-door written notices will be used when appropriate. You can also obtain information by calling United Water at 845 623 1500.