Cornell University

Fall Creek serves as the primary source for the Cornell University Water System (CUWS). The water intake is located near Forest Home Drive by the Cornell Botanic Gardens Arboretum entrance. Fall Creek originates from Lake Como northeast of Ithaca and flows through a 125 square mile watershed, indicated by the green area on the map.

During 2017, Fall Creek maintained abundant flow averaging 249 cubic feet per second (CFS). The system serves the University campus and provides water to City customers in the Cornell Heights area, as well as Bolton Point-Town of Ithaca consumers south of Fall Creek in the Forest Home region. The Water Purification Plant operates at 310 Caldwell Street, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land surfaces or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and sometimes radioactive material. It can also pick up substances resulting from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include: microbial contaminants, inorganic substances, pesticides and herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances. To ensure safe tap water, New York State and EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Following state regulations, the Cornell Water System regularly tests for numerous contaminants. Table 3a shows detected contaminants compared to relevant state guidelines or maximum contaminant levels (MCLs). Table 3b presents unregulated contaminants that were detected, while Table 4 lists contaminants not found in your water.

HARDNESS indicates calcium and magnesium content in natural waters. Higher hardness levels increase soap precipitation and mineral deposit formation. Both alkalinity and hardness occur naturally when water contacts minerals in the earth's crust. The pH scale measures acidity or alkalinity, with 7 being neutral, 0-6 acidic, and 8-14 alkaline.

The CDC provides essential information about water safety and public health. Their resources can help Ithaca residents understand potential health impacts from various water contaminants and provide guidance on appropriate water treatment options.

Visit their website to learn about water-related diseases, preventive measures, and recommendations for special populations such as immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, and young children.