Jericho Water District

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

Generally, our municipal water originates from rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels across land or through soil, it naturally dissolves minerals and can pick up radioactive materials and contaminants. To ensure tap water safety, the State and EPA establish regulations limiting contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the State Health Department and FDA set comparable standards for bottled water.

All Jericho Water District water comes from 25 wells spread across the district on 15 different sites, ranging in depth from 372-688 feet. Your tap water is a blend from these individual wells. Well distribution includes: 5 in Syosset, 5 in Woodbury, 1 in Laurel Hollow, 2 in Jericho, 6 in Muttontown, 3 in Brookville, 2 in Old Brookville, and 1 in Glen Head. Twenty-four wells draw from the Magothy Aquifer while one accesses the Lloyd Aquifer.

Our system maintains six storage tanks with 12.40 million gallons total capacity (8.79 million gallons usable). The District spans 37 square miles with 353 miles of water mains. We maintain emergency interconnections with neighboring water districts including Glen Cove, Hicksville, Locust Valley, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Roslyn, South Huntington, and Westbury. During 2017, our system experienced no supply limitations.

WATER TREATMENT

Following Nassau County Board of Health requirements, we add Sodium Hydroxide at individual wells to adjust pH and reduce corrosion in water mains and services. We also add chlorine at a level of 0.9 mg/l at pumping stations, maintaining a 0.2 mg/l residual at the system's furthest points. Currently, 7 wells receive treatment for elevated Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - 5 using Granular Activated Carbon and 2 using Packed Tower Aeration.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT

The NYSDOH, with local health department and CDM consulting support, has completed a source water assessment based on available data. This assessment includes a susceptibility rating based on contamination risk factors and how quickly contaminants could reach wells. This rating estimates potential contamination risk but does not indicate that delivered water is or will become contaminated.

The assessment rated most wells as having high susceptibility to industrial solvents and nitrates. The industrial solvent risk stems primarily from transportation routes and commercial/industrial activities in the assessment area. Nitrate susceptibility relates to unsewered residential and commercial properties and lawn fertilization practices within the assessment area. A copy of this assessment, including area maps, is available for review at the District office.

1. How do I arrange for trash and/or recycling collection services? To establish garbage and/or recycling service, please contact the Utility Billing office at (972) 899-5090.
2. How can I schedule pickup for large, bulky items? Community Waste Disposal will collect bulky items on your regular service day. Residents are limited to 2 cubic yards of bulky waste per collection (equivalent to one refrigerator). Place all bulky items beside your trash container by 7:00 a.m. on your designated collection day. For larger quantities, contact Community Waste Disposal at (972) 392-9300.
3. What is the holiday schedule for trash collection? Regular trash collection operates on all holidays except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For these holidays, collection is postponed to the following day. Monday collections move to Tuesday, Tuesday to Wednesday, and so forth, with Friday collections completed on Saturday.
4. What is Vacation Watch and how do I register? The Highland Village Police Department offers property monitoring while you're away. Officers check for unusual activities or suspicious individuals around your home during your absence. See Vacation Watch for details.
5. Where can I find applicable tax rates for Highland Village residents? View various tax rates and related information on our Taxes page.
6. Is there a map of the Inland Trail System available? The Inland Trail System features a 9.83-mile main backbone of multi-use paths connecting nearly all Highland Village areas. Designed for walking, running, and cycling, it connects neighborhoods, parks, schools, retail centers, and City facilities. See the Comprehensive Trail System Master Plan for details.
7. How do I contact specific city/county departments? Visit the Staff Directory to find all departments and staff contact information.

Water Quality Questions

1. What does "water hardness" mean? Hardness primarily results from calcium and magnesium presence, though other natural minerals may contribute. These minerals reduce soap lathering efficiency, create residues like bathtub rings, and form efficiency-reducing scale in water heaters, tanks, and pipes.
2. Why does Highland Village water taste and smell different sometimes? Like many suppliers, we occasionally experience taste and odor variations. During summer and early fall, microscopic organisms like algae in local water sources can create earthy tastes and smells, often more noticeable in hot water. Temperature changes, heavy rainfall, and flooding can also affect water taste. After returning from extended trips, you might notice taste differences from water sitting in household plumbing - running taps for a few minutes typically resolves this. These changes don't affect water safety.
3. Why does my water sometimes appear brown or yellow? Discoloration often follows main breaks and repairs, when iron or mineral deposits in pipes become dislodged. If discoloration appears regularly in morning draws or in specific home areas, household plumbing is likely responsible. For discoloration during main work, wait until repairs finish, then run cold water until clear.
4. Why does my water occasionally look cloudy or milky? This usually results from dissolved oxygen releasing from water. Cold water holds more oxygen than warm water, so oxygen-saturated water releases bubbles as it warms. This creates a temporary cloudy appearance that typically clears within 30 seconds and poses no safety concerns.
5. How much fluoride is in my water? Fluoride occurs naturally in our water within the guidelines recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and American Dental Association.