Niskayuna Consolidated WD #1

The Town of Niskayuna issues an annual report on municipal water quality to comply with state regulations. This report aims to educate residents about their water and highlight the importance of protecting water sources.

Our water supply comes from two groundwater aquifers. In 2017, 30% was drawn from wells near the Mohawk River in Niskayuna, while 70% came from City of Schenectady wells in Rotterdam. The water undergoes natural filtration as it moves through soil layers, followed by additional treatment including:

• Chlorination to eliminate pathogens and oxidize metals
• Pressure sand filtration to remove iron and manganese
• Fluoridation for dental health protection
• Polyorthophosphate injection for corrosion control

The Niskayuna water system serves approximately 22,227 residents through 8,051 service connections, plus some adjacent City residents. In 2017, the system withdrew 964,762,000 gallons total, with 83% metered and used by Niskayuna customers, 5.6% by City customers, and approximately 12% classified as "lost water."

For questions about your water quality, please contact Richard Pollock, Superintendent of Water, Sewer & Engineering at 386-4520. Regular Town Board meetings are typically held the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Town Hall. Visit the Town website (niskayuna.org) for meeting schedules.

In 2017, residential water rates were $2.50 per 1,000 gallons, while commercial rates were $3.67 and $4.04 for the first and second half of the year respectively.

1. Why does my water smell? Groundwater sources often contain sulfates that can be converted to hydrogen sulfide by harmless bacteria, especially in water heaters or areas with low water flow. This creates a rotten egg smell, particularly where chlorine has dissipated in low-use areas.
2. Why is my water yellow? Groundwater typically contains iron and manganese that can accumulate on pipe interiors. During high water use, these minerals can dislodge, causing yellow discoloration. We recommend waiting until the water clears before use.
3. Where is my meter located? Water meters are typically installed near property lines adjacent to streets. Contact the Water Division if you need help locating yours.
4. My water bill is unexpectedly high. What should I check? First inspect toilets for leaks (free dye tablets are available from the Water Division). Also examine faucets and look for wet spots between your meter and house. Call us if no obvious issues are found.
5. What should I do for after-hours water emergencies? Contact the local Police Department at the non-emergency number, who will dispatch Water Division personnel.
6. I have discolored water. What should I do? Run your cold water tap for 5-10 minutes to clear the lines. If this doesn't resolve the issue, contact the Water Division.
7. How do I read my water meter? Open the meter box and clean the lens. Read all numbers to the left of the decimal point. Contact us if you need assistance.
8. Do irrigation systems require backflow protection? Yes, all irrigation systems connected to municipal water must have approved backflow prevention assemblies with annual testing by certified professionals to prevent contaminants from entering the public supply.