East Greenbush General WD

In compliance with State regulations, East Greenbush Common Water District annually releases a comprehensive report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to enhance your understanding of municipal water systems and emphasize the importance of protecting our water resources.

We're pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Statement. Last year, we conducted comprehensive testing for over 80 potential contaminants. We identified 2 of these substances at concentrations exceeding state limits in 3 of 4 monitoring quarters. As previously communicated, our water temporarily exceeded a regulatory standard, but we promptly adjusted our treatment protocols to address this issue.

This report summarizes last year's water quality data, including information about your water source, composition, and how it compares to New York State standards. Our consistent goal is providing safe, reliable municipal water. We want you to understand our ongoing efforts to improve water treatment processes and protect our valuable water resources.

For questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact: Mr. Tom Kennedy, Water Foreman, City of East Greenbush, East Greenbush General Water District, 69 Gilligan Street, East Greenbush, NY 12061; Telephone (518) 477-6103.

We encourage our valued customers to stay informed about their water service. To learn more, attend our regularly scheduled Town Board meetings held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM at Town Hall, 225 Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush, NY 12061; Phone (518) 477-4775.

WATER SOURCE INFORMATION
The East Greenbush Common Water District purchases water from the City of Troy, which draws from the spring-fed Tomhannock Reservoir, a surface water source northeast of Troy. Water flows from this reservoir to the Troy Water Treatment Plant (TWTP), a complete treatment facility.

To minimize disinfection byproducts (DBPs), TWTP adds potassium permanganate at the Tomhannock Reservoir. This strong oxidant addresses iron and manganese without producing the DBPs associated with chlorine treatment. This additive is typically applied seasonally from mid-June through September/October, depending on raw water mineral levels.

Additionally, chlorine dioxide is added year-round at Melrose Station to oxidize organic materials that could form DBPs when reacting with chlorine. The Troy treatment process includes coagulation with aluminum sulfate to bind small particles together, natural sedimentation of larger particles, filtration through sand to remove smaller particles, pH adjustment for corrosion control, final chlorination to maintain distribution system safety, and fluoridation at controlled levels for dental health.

East Greenbush purchases this treated water and pumps it through the Cross Street Pump Station. A 36-inch water main along Route 4 through North Greenbush carries water to two 5-million-gallon storage tanks atop Grandview Drive, which distribute water throughout the General Water District. This supply system is jointly owned with the City of Rensselaer.

1. I have discolored water in my home. Is it safe and what causes the discoloration?
   Yes, the water remains safe to use. The discoloration typically comes from manganese, a natural mineral precipitate in treated water that normally adheres to pipe interiors. When water pressure or flow changes, this manganese can detach from pipe walls and enter your plumbing system. Discoloration commonly occurs during construction activities, pressure fluctuations, hydrant usage, valve operations, or main breaks.
2. What can I do about discolored water?
   Discolored water has many potential causes including nearby construction, lightning strikes, hydrant operation, ground movement, or increased pumping capacity. Since these factors are often unpredictable, the best approach is addressing the situation after it occurs. First, determine if only your hot water is affected (indicating a water heater issue) or if cold water is also discolored. For cold water discoloration, run only cold water taps for 5-6 minutes and flush toilets 2-3 times. If this doesn't resolve the issue, wait about an hour and repeat. This small water usage shouldn't significantly impact your bill. Avoid washing laundry in discolored water as it may stain light-colored fabrics. If discoloration occurs during washing, keep clothes damp until water clears, then rewash WITHOUT using chlorine bleach.
3. Why is my water pressure low?
   Low pressure typically stems from issues with private plumbing rather than the municipal water system. Common causes include galvanized piping, faulty pressure regulators, and clogged faucet screens. Upon request, the water company can perform pressure and flow tests at your meter to verify adequate water supply to and through the meter. A comparison test can be conducted at an outdoor faucet if available at the front of your home. Results will be noted and left for you, and you need not be present during testing.
4. The water pressure in my house is too high. Can the Water Company reduce it?
   To ensure sufficient pressure for all customers, the municipal water system must maintain higher pressure in water mains than is typically recommended for residential plumbing. Please refer to the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) Plumbing Codes (Arkansas Plumbing Law) for approved methods of adjusting water pressure after it passes through your meter. The water meter itself does not regulate pressure.
5. I need to locate my house line and pressure regulator. Can the water company help find them?
   The water company does not maintain records regarding your property's internal plumbing configuration, shutoff valve location, or pressure regulator placement.