Niagara County Water District

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

Generally, municipal water sources include rivers, lakes, streams, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can collect substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants
• Inorganic contaminants
• Pesticides and herbicides
• Organic chemical contaminants
• Radioactive materials

To protect public health, state and EPA regulations limit contaminant levels in public water systems, similar to FDA standards for bottled water products.

Our specific water source is located in the west branch of the Niagara River, known for its excellent water quality. Throughout 2017, our system experienced no restrictions on water supply. The treatment process includes prechlorination, coagulation, rapid mixing, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration to ensure quality. Though approved as a direct filtration plant, we employ conventional filtration methods. Additionally, fluoride and corrosion inhibitors are added before distribution.

The NYS Department of Health recently completed a Source Water Assessment under the State's program (SWAP). This evaluation compiled information about potential threats to our raw water quality. 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 challenging to analyze in detail through SWAP. Primary concerns for public water supplies using these sources include:

• Storm-generated turbidity
• Wastewater contamination
• Toxic sediments
• Transport-related spills
• Invasive species issues (e.g., zebra mussels causing intake clogging and taste/odor problems)

For questions about the State's Source Water Assessment Program, please contact Ronald Gwozdek, Principal Public Health Engineer at Niagara County Department of Health: (716) 439-7452.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Our water system serves approximately 150,000 people through 108 service connections across Niagara, Erie, and Orleans Counties. In 2017, we treated and pumped an average of 14,575,366 gallons daily, with a total annual delivery of 5,305,433,240 gallons. Total production was 5,469,901,676 gallons, with approximately 164,468,436 gallons (3%) unaccounted for due to main flushing, firefighting, and distribution system leakage. In-district customers paid $0.75 per 1,000 gallons, while out-of-district customers were charged $1.50 per 1,000 gallons.

WATER QUALITY TESTING

As required by state regulations, we regularly test for numerous contaminants including microbiological, radioactive, inorganic compounds, nitrates, lead, copper, volatile organics, synthetic organics, trihalomethanes, and disinfection by-products. The accompanying table shows only detected compounds. State regulations allow less frequent testing for some contaminants as their concentrations typically remain stable. All drinking water, including bottled water, contains at least small amounts of some contaminants, which doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791) or the Niagara County Health Department at (716) 439-7430.

1. Where do I visit to get or renew my driver's license? Driver's licenses are issued by the Colorado Department of Revenue. The nearest office is located in Northglenn at 11900 North Washington Street with phone number 720.929.8636.
2. Where do I register my vehicle in Broomfield County? Vehicles can be registered at the George Di Ciero City and County Building, 1 Descombes Drive, located in the west wing.
3. How do I register to vote? Click on the link below: Voter Registration
4. Where can I submit a concern? You can submit concerns online, by email, phone call or written letter to the City and County of Broomfield.
5. How can I obtain a business license? Broomfield Municipal Code (Section 3-04-080) requires a SALES TAX LICENSE issued at no charge. Temporary carts at FlatIron Crossing Mall require a $200 deposit. Allow 10-14 days processing time before opening. Liquor Licenses and Solicitor's Licenses are handled by the City Clerk Department at 303.438.6332.
6. How do I license my pet? Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have rabies vaccinations with tags attached. Pets vaccinated locally are certified by the veterinarian. For pets vaccinated outside the city, free licensing is available at Community Assistance Center with vaccination verification.
7. How do I apply for a Passport? The City and County of Broomfield is a designated Passport Acceptance Facility. The Community Assistance Center at the George DiCiero Building assists with applications by appointment only at 303.438.6390.
8. What is Broomfield's curfew? Children under 18 have a 10:30 p.m. curfew, with minors 15-18 having extended hours until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays with parental permission. See Broomfield Municipal Code 9-62-030 for exceptions.