Lewiston Water Improvementarea

Sources for tap water (including faucet and bottled water) encompass rivers, wetlands, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water flows across land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some instances, radioactive substances, while potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include: microbial contaminants, inorganic substances, nitrogen-based herbicides, organic chemical compounds, and radioactive elements. To ensure public tap water safety, both State regulations and EPA guidelines establish limits for specific contaminants in public water systems. Similarly, the State Health Department and FDA set boundaries for contaminants in bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Our water source is located in the western portion of the Niagara Lake, with excellent water quality. During 2017, our system experienced no restrictions on water supply. The treatment facility employs prechlorination, coagulation, rapid mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration to maintain water quality. NCWD also utilizes chlorination for disinfection purposes.

While approved as a direct filtration plant, water undergoes conventional filtration incorporating all processes mentioned. Additionally, fluoride and corrosion inhibitors are added to potable water before distribution. The New York State Department of Health recently completed a Source Water Assessment under the State's Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP), evaluating potential contamination risks to raw water sources.

The Great Lakes watershed is exceptionally vast for detailed SWAP analysis. Common concerns for public supplies using these sources include storm-generated turbidity, wastewater discharge, toxic sediments, shipping-related spills, and invasive species issues (like zebra mussels causing intake clogging and taste/odor problems).

FACTS AND STATISTICS: The Lewiston water system serves 16,262 residents through 5,221 service connections. In 2017, 438,325,053 gallons were delivered to consumers from a total purchase of 621,562,350 gallons, leaving 183,237,297 gallons (29%) unaccounted for, used in main flushing, firefighting, and infrastructure seepage. In 2017, customers paid $22.35 per 1,000 gallons.

1. How do I register for trash collection? When opening a water account at Burlington Municipal Waterworks (500 North Third Street), you're automatically enrolled in trash collection services.
2. What day is my trash collected? Please check the Trash Route Map. All trash must be placed outside by 7 a.m. when collection crews begin their routes.
3. Why must I use a City-provided cart? City-issued solid waste carts create a safer working environment for collection staff and enhance community aesthetics.
4. How do I report missed trash collection? Ensure your trash was outside before 7 a.m. on collection day. To report a missed pickup, email us with your name, address, and issue description. Verify your container wasn't tagged by the Solid Waste team explaining why it remained uncollected.
5. I'm a renter. Does the City provide trash collection? City services cover single-family homes and residential buildings up to four units.
6. Where can I purchase Trash Tags and what's the cost? Tags cost $4 each and are available at: Hy-Vee, Fareway, Walgreens, Kempker's True Value, Gasland, Casey's General Stores, Jet Stop South, and BS Mini Mart.
7. Is recycling available in Burlington? Burlington contracts with Des Moines County Area Recyclers for curbside recycling, collected from the street even if your garbage pickup is alley-based. Recyclables are typically gathered on your trash day but only bi-weekly.
8. I forgot to set out my trash on time. What options do I have? Remember trash must be outside before 7 a.m. on collection day. First-time late setouts may be reported by email. Return trips are costly—repeat offenders should attach a trash tag to late setout waste.
9. What are Solid Waste Department hours? Operations run Monday-Friday, 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with collection beginning at 7 a.m.
10. Which holidays affect my collection schedule? No collection occurs on: New Year's Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Collection typically shifts to the following day, with crews catching up until returning to normal scheduling.