Bloomingdale

Lakes, rivers, reservoirs, springs, and wells serve as sources of municipal water, including both tap and bottled varieties. As water travels across land or underground, it naturally dissolves minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities, occasionally absorbing radioactive materials.

All municipal water, bottled included, can reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

Certain populations may be more vulnerable to water contaminants than the general public. People with compromised immune systems, including those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplant recipients, individuals with HIV/AIDS, elderly persons, and infants may face increased infection risks. These individuals should seek advice from healthcare providers regarding their water consumption.

Source water may contain several types of contaminants:

• Microbial contaminants - from viruses and bacteria, potentially originating from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, or wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants - including salts and metals, which may come from urban runoff, industrial discharge, oil/gas production, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides - from agricultural applications and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants - including synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and waste systems
• Radioactive contaminants - naturally occurring or resulting from oil/gas production

The USEPA establishes regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems, while the FDA regulates bottled water standards. Elevated lead levels can cause serious health problems, particularly for pregnant women and young children. Lead primarily enters drinking water from old service lines and plumbing components. Running water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before consumption can minimize potential lead exposure. For lead testing information, call the USEPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline or visit http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

1. What is Bolton Point? This name has two meanings: It refers to the Southern Cayuga Lake Intermunicipal Water Commission (SCLIWC), commonly known as "Bolton Point," and it's also an area on Cayuga Lake's eastern shore about 3 miles north of Ithaca.
2. Is there a 24-hour Emergency Phone Number? Yes! Call (607) 277-0660. After regular office hours, an answering service will take your information.
3. How is my water bill calculated? Bills are based primarily on water consumption per area. Usage varies by household, and each municipality bills differently. Municipal sewer service also affects billing. For specific billing details, contact our billing office.
4. Where do I send my payment? Mail your payment to your Town or Village office or deliver it in person. Your municipal office address appears on your bill.
5. Where is my water meter located? Typically near where your service line enters your home, often on the roadside of your basement. Your meter reading card indicates the location. Call (607) 277-0660 if you need help finding it.
6. What should I do when leaving home? Options vary by situation. For house-sitters, we can mail meter cards to them while sending bills to you. Without meter readings, we'll estimate your bill. For extended absences, we can arrange temporary service suspension, though seasonal disconnections rarely prove cost-effective.
7. What happens when I sell my house? Contact us before closing. We'll schedule a meter reading for your final bill calculation and send a "Change Of Ownership Information Sheet" to all relevant parties. The new owner assumes responsibility for all subsequent charges.
8. How do I add a tenant to the water bill? Submit a written request including the tenant's name and property address. We maintain the property owner's name on the account while sending bills "in care of" the tenant, ensuring the owner maintains ultimate responsibility.
9. Why is the billing structure changing? The new structure aims to increase fairness by aligning costs with actual usage, ensure sufficient revenue for quality service delivery, and encourage water conservation.
10. What are water revenue funds used for? Billing revenues cover production and distribution costs while maintaining adequate reserves for unforeseen circumstances. The Commission evaluates rates annually to ensure operational and maintenance costs are covered, including funding for capital improvements like water storage, transmission main replacements, and infrastructure modernization.