New Castle/Stanwood WD

Where Does Our Water Come From?

Generally, tap water and bottled water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water flows over land or through ground layers, it dissolves natural minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants in source water include microbes, inorganic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials.

To ensure public safety, both State and EPA regulations limit certain contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the FDA establishes comparable limits for bottled water products.

The New Castle Water System relies entirely on the New York City Aqueduct and Reservoir Systems. Our primary source is the Catskill Aqueduct System (fed by Ashokan Reservoir), with the New Croton Aqueduct (fed by Croton Reservoir System) serving as backup. We prefer the Catskill supply due to superior water quality and lower treatment costs at our Millwood Water Treatment Plant. During 2017, we experienced no limitations on our Catskill reservoir access.

The NYS Department of Health has evaluated water supplies statewide through the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). These assessments use available data to estimate potential contamination risk but don't indicate actual contamination has occurred. The Town of New Castle provides comprehensive treatment and monitoring to ensure water quality meets all standards.

Our supply comes from either the Catskill watershed (west of Hudson River) or the Croton watershed (Putnam and Westchester Counties). NYC's Department of Environmental Protection implements extensive protection programs in these watersheds, focusing on: enforcing Watershed Rules and Regulations, acquiring and protecting watershed lands, and partnering with communities to address specific pollution sources.

Primary water quality concerns in these watersheds relate to agricultural activities and residential development, which can introduce microbial contaminants, pesticides, and nutrients that promote algae growth. While wastewater presents some concerns, most discharges receive advanced treatment. Other facilities like landfills and chemical storage sites pose minimal risk due to watershed size and ongoing surveillance.

The Croton reservoirs' shallow nature, combined with excess nutrients and wetlands presence, sometimes leads to increased water color and disinfection byproduct precursor levels. More information about NYC watershed protection efforts is available at www.nyc.gov/dep/watershed.

1. What does Water RTS mean on my water bill? This is a base charge applied to all connected customers. The amount remains constant year-round regardless of consumption.
2. What does Normal Water mean on my water bill? This charge reflects your actual monthly water usage and varies based on your meter reading, which occurs around the 10th of each month.
3. What does Sewer RTS mean on my water bill? This is a fixed base charge for customers connected to the central sewer system, remaining constant throughout the year.
4. What does Sewer Usage mean on my water bill? For residential customers, this charge is based on actual usage during January and February, with an average established for the remainder of the year. Commercial customers are charged based on actual water consumption year-round.
5. What does the Sewer Debt Service Fee mean on my water bill? This flat fee applies to customers connected to the central sewer system and remains consistent throughout the year, not based on consumption.
6. What does Penalty mean on my water bill? This charge applies to past-due balances. An account becomes past due when payment isn't received by the 25th of the month.
7. What does Disconnection/Reconnection Fee mean on my water bill? This $100 fee applies when service has been disconnected due to non-payment.
8. What does Transfer Fee mean on my water bill? This $15 fee is charged to new customers establishing service.
9. What does Service Charge mean on my water bill? This $105 fee applies when customers request service outside normal business hours (Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm).
10. What happens if I don't pay my water bill? Your service will be disconnected. To restore service, you must pay the outstanding balance plus the $100 disconnection/reconnection fee. Payment must be made via debit/credit card, cash, or certified funds.
11. When is my water bill due? Bills are due on the 20th of each month.
12. Is there a grace period for paying my bill? Yes, a five-day grace period exists. Payments received after the 25th are considered late.
13. Why do I need to pay the Sewer Debt Service fee? The Board approved this $5 per billing cycle fee for central sewer system customers in December 2011. It funds a low-interest loan for a new bio-solids handling facility that improves operational efficiency. The fee continues until the debt is retired in approximately 20 years.
14. When starting new service, what must be done at the Administration office? Service setup can be completed in person or by calling 719-547-5000.
15. Can I change the due date on my bill? No, but you have at least 20 days to make payment while maintaining a current balance.
16. When are bills issued to customers? Meters are read monthly around the 10th. Bills are mailed by the last working day of the month, due on the 20th of the following month, and become late if unpaid by the 25th.
17. I am a renter, can I have the water account in my name? All water accounts must remain in the property owner's name. Your landlord can request that a copy be sent to you electronically or by mail.
18. I am moving. What is needed to end my water service? When selling your property, please provide your closing date and forwarding address. A final reading will be scheduled for your closing date.
19. Can I sign up for online account access? Yes, property owners can register for online access using their billing ID. Contact customer service at billing@pwmd-co.us or 719-547-5000 if you need this information.
20. Do I have to sign up for online access to pay my bill online? No, you can pay your water bill online using our payment system's guest checkout option.