Lockport WD#3

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

Generally, municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water flows across land surfaces or underground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some instances, radioactive materials, and can pick up substances resulting from animal presence or human activity.

Potential contaminants in source water include: microbial contaminants, inorganic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials. To ensure tap water safety, both State and EPA regulations limit specific contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the FDA and State Health Department establish comparable limits for bottled water.

Lockport's primary water source is the East Branch of the Niagara River. The quality and quantity of this raw water source meet Niagara County Health Department standards. During 2017, our system experienced no limitations on water supply.

At the Raw Water Pumping Station (built 1968), chlorination is applied for disinfection and zebra mussel control. This water travels 13 miles through a 30-inch main to the Lockport Water Treatment Plant (established 1930) at 220 Summit St. The facility employs conventional treatment methods including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chlorination, and fluoridation.

Coagulation and sedimentation remove particles before filtration. Filtration eliminates fine organic and inorganic particles that didn't settle during sedimentation. Chlorine disinfects the water and maintains sanitary quality during distribution. Fluoride helps prevent dental cavities.

CITY OF LOCKPORT SWAP SUMMARY

The NYS Department of Health completed a Source Water Assessment of the raw water supply under the State's Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). This program compiles and evaluates information about potential threats to public water supply sources. It's important to note that these reports assess untreated water sources, not the safety of finished tap water.

The Great Lakes watershed is extensive and too large for detailed assessment within SWAP. General concerns for public water supplies using these sources include storm-generated turbidity, wastewater impacts, toxic sediments, transportation-related spills, and invasive species issues (such as zebra mussels causing intake clogging and taste/odor problems).

Analysis showed increased contamination susceptibility for this water source. Residential land in the assessment area raises concerns about microbials, disinfection byproduct precursors, turbidity and pesticide contamination. The high density of sanitary wastewater discharges increases vulnerability to various contaminants. Non-sanitary wastewater also presents potential quality impacts.

Additional contamination risks come from Chemical Bulk Storage facilities, Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites, Landfills, Toxic Release Inventory data, Municipal Sewage Facilities, and RCRA facilities.

Limited SWAP report copies are available at the Water Office in City Hall.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Lockport Water Treatment Plant can process 12 million gallons daily (with a 16 million gallon designed capacity) and serves 21,165 residents through 7,900 service connections. In 2017, total water production reached 1.89 billion gallons, averaging 5,181,775 gallons daily, with peak usage of 8,500,000 gallons in a single day.

Of this total, 0.548 billion gallons reached customers, leaving 1.34 billion gallons (71% of production) unaccounted for. This water was used for main flushing and firefighting, but most was lost through leakage in the city's aging infrastructure.

The average family of four uses approximately 75,000 gallons annually (10,027 cubic feet) at a cost of $520 (less than 1¢ per gallon). Rates increased in 2014 for the first time since 2008.

The City of Lockport and Niagara County Water District are connected via a 20-inch water main, allowing both systems to supply each other if necessary.

WATER QUALITY MONITORING

The Lockport Water Department routinely tests for contaminants in compliance with Federal and State regulations. These include coliform, turbidity, inorganic compounds, nitrate, lead, copper, volatile organic compounds, and more.

1. How do I handle a traffic citation? Offenders have up to 10 days from the violation date to appear in Municipal Court to plead not guilty and request a trial date, plead guilty, or plead no contest and pay a fine. Defensive driving courses and other arrangements are managed through the municipal court. Please click the provided link for more information.
2. How are weather warnings communicated to the public? Weather alerts reach residents through several channels. The City uses CodeRED to distribute information via phone calls, text messages and email. Citizens should register for this service by clicking 'more' below. National Weather Service warnings are automatically sent via CodeRED when they include the City area. Outdoor warning sirens alert people outside their homes during severe weather events. Upon hearing a siren, residents should move indoors and monitor local electronic media or scanners. The city also utilizes SuddenLink communications service, which allows officials to override the local cable system for emergency messages.
3. What regulations govern outdoor storage? Property owners, residents, and businesses must maintain properties free of materials susceptible to weather deterioration, including furniture, containers, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, paper, and other objectionable, hazardous, unsanitary or unsightly items not designed for outdoor use. Materials stored in disorganized manner or creating rodent/vermin habitats are also prohibited. Violation convictions in Municipal Court may result in fines up to $2,000 per day of violation. The city may correct violations at owner expense plus a $220 administrative penalty. If costs remain unpaid after 30 days, a property lien may be filed.