Niagara Falls Water Board

Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) typically come from rivers, wetlands, streams, lakes, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water flows across land surfaces or through underground layers, it naturally dissolves minerals and can collect substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include microbial contaminants, inorganic substances, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive materials. To ensure tap water safety, New York State and EPA regulations limit certain contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, state health departments and FDA regulations establish safety limits for bottled water contaminants.

Our primary water source is the upper Niagara River. Throughout 2017, our system operated without source water restrictions. The intake location minimizes runoff contamination. At our Low Lift pump station, screens remove excess sediment before water enters pre-treatment reservoirs where chlorine disinfection occurs. During summer months, powdered activated carbon may be added to improve taste and odor.

The treatment process includes adding poly-aluminum chloride (PACl) in the mixing chamber to enhance particle removal. Water then moves through flocculation basins where gentle mixing allows particles to form larger clumps. These settle in sedimentation basins before water passes through rapid sand filters to remove remaining particles. After filtration, water receives additional chlorination before storage and distribution.

The Niagara Falls water system, like many in New York State, provides low-level fluoridated water for dental health protection. Following CDC guidelines, our fluoride addition facilities maintain the optimal level of 0.7 mg/L. Additionally, a Poly-Orthophosphate blend helps prevent household lead and copper contamination.

SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT: The New York State Department of Health completed an assessment of our raw water source under the State's Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). This program evaluates potential threats to public water supplies. The Great Lakes watershed is extremely large and presents challenges for detailed analysis. Common concerns for these sources include storm-related turbidity, wastewater discharges, toxic sediments, shipping spills, and invasive species issues.

Our assessment found elevated susceptibility to contamination. Agricultural and residential lands in the assessment area increase risk of microbial contamination, disinfection byproduct precursors, and pesticides. The high density of sanitary wastewater discharges also raises contamination susceptibility across multiple contaminant categories. Additional contamination risks come from Chemical Bulk Storage facilities, Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites, Landfills, and RCRA facilities.

SYSTEM FACTS: Our water system serves approximately 50,000 residents through 18,000 service connections. In 2017, we produced over 7.3 billion gallons of water, averaging 20.1 million gallons daily with a peak day of 24.3 million gallons. About 2.3 billion gallons reached customers, leaving approximately 5.0 billion gallons unaccounted for due to main flushing, meter inaccuracies, unauthorized usage, fire hydrants, municipal usage, and underground leakage. Water customers paid $4.40 per 1000 gallons in 2017.

FLUORIDE MONITORING: Our system maintains fluoride at target levels for optimal dental protection. Daily monitoring ensures fluoride remains at 0.7 mg/L. In 2017, fluoride levels stayed within 0.1 mg/L of the target over 99% of the time, never approaching the 2.2 mg/L MCL.

1. Who do I call if I have a question about my Plano water bill? If you have questions about your Plano water bill, contact Customer & Utility Services at (972) 941-7105.
2. When is my trash/recycling/bulky waste collection day in Plano? Visit the City of Plano collection map for Trash, Recycling and Bulky Waste services provided by the City of Plano City of Plano Collection Schedules.
3. What do I do if my recycling or trash cart has a crack or damaged wheel? If your trash or recycling cart is damaged, contact Plano Environmental Waste Services Customer Service at (972) 769-4150 or email ewscustomerservice@plano.gov for repairs or replacement.
4. How do I schedule a Household Chemical Collection? Call Environmental Waste Services Customer Service at (972) 769-4150 or request online at least 24 hours before your scheduled collection day. Collection days are organized by zip code: 75025 (Mondays), 75023 (Tuesdays), 75024 & 75093 (Wednesdays), 75074, 75075 & 75094 (Thursdays). Place items in a container marked "chemicals" at your collection point by 7 a.m., at least two feet from refuse and recycling containers.
5. What are the current Plano water regulations? Visit the Plano Water Resources webpage for current water restriction information.
6. How can I report water waste or a water leak at a City of Plano facility? For water waste or leaks at Plano facilities, call Parks and Recreation at (972) 941-7263. After hours, call (972) 727-1623.
7. How do I report a neighbor or business watering at the incorrect time in Plano? Call (972) 769-4160 or (972) 727-1623 after hours.
8. Why does Plano Fire-Rescue charge an ambulance transport fee to tax-paying residents? Without this fee, operating costs would require additional tax revenue from all residents. Ambulance Transport Fees are established by city ordinance in Chapter 8 of the Code of City Ordinances.
9. Is there a Crime Watch group in my neighborhood? Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (972) 941-2431 to find local Crime Watch groups.
10. How do I find out how much a traffic ticket will cost? Call the Municipal Court at (972) 941-2199 during weekday business hours.
11. How do I report a police report? Call (972) 424-5678 to file reports by phone.