North Tonawanda City

In compliance with State and Federal regulations, the North Tonawanda Public Water System annually publishes a report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to increase your awareness about water quality and the importance of protecting our water sources.

We're pleased to report that last year, your tap water met all State health requirements for municipal water. Our system has never violated maximum contaminant levels or other water quality standards. This report provides an overview of last year's water quality, including information about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to regulatory standards.

If you have questions about this report or your water supply, please contact the Water Division Offices at 716-695-8531. We encourage you to learn more about your municipal water by attending our Common Council meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at City Hall, 216 Payne Avenue.

Water Source Information: Our water supply comes from the Niagara River, a surface water source. Our intake pipe is located on the East branch of the Niagara River and delivers raw water to the North Tonawanda Water Treatment Plant, which has a maximum capacity of 12 Million Gallons per Day (MGD). The plant employs physical treatment processes including rapid mixing, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, and filtration. Chemical processes include Aluminum Sulfate for settling suspended solids, Chlorine for disinfection, and Fluoride for dental health.

System Statistics: The water system serves 31,568 residents through 11,000 service connections. In 2017, we produced 1.35 billion gallons of water, with a daily average of 3.75 million gallons. Our highest daily production was 5.782 million gallons. Of the total water produced, 651 million gallons were delivered to residents and businesses, while 695 million gallons were used for Municipal Facilities, main flushing, firefighting, and system leakage (48% of total production).

Water Rates: In 2017, customers were charged a quarterly minimum fee of $24 per household plus $3 per 1,000 gallons. The average family of four uses approximately 25,000 gallons per quarter (100,000 gallons annually), resulting in an average annual water bill of about $300.

1. Why is my water grimy? Sediment at the bottom of water pipes can become disturbed due to main breaks, hydrant flushing, maintenance work, or issues with your home plumbing. To resolve this, briefly run cold water through a faucet or bathtub. Avoid using hot water as sediment may enter your water heater and cause damage. Don't run laundry when water is discolored as it may stain clothing. If water doesn't clear after several minutes, contact the Water Department at 413-594-3420.
2. Why is my water cloudy? Cloudy water typically contains harmless air bubbles. Despite having equipment to release air from our mains, small air pockets remain. If you let a glass of cloudy water sit for a few minutes, you'll see the air rise and clear. Running water briefly through a tap should resolve this issue. If cloudiness persists, call the Water Department at 413-594-3420.
3. Is there fluoride in the water? No, North Tonawanda's municipal water comes from the Niagara River and is treated at our Water Treatment Plant on Burnette Road. Fluoride is not added to our water supply.
4. Why is my bill so high? Water usage varies throughout the year, with summer months typically showing higher consumption. If you suspect an unusually high bill, check for leaks in sprinkler systems, faucets, and toilets. Sometimes high bills result from previously underestimated readings. Remember, property owners are responsible for all water passing through the meter, including leaks occurring after the meter. For billing questions, call the Water Department at 413-594-3420.
5. Where is my water meter? Your water meter is typically located inside your home (usually in the basement or utility closet) where the water service enters. Note that the remote reader on your home's exterior is not the actual meter but is wired to it to allow meter readers to take readings without entering your property.
6. How do I read my water meter? Read all numbers from left to right to get an accurate water usage reading.
7. What is my responsibility as a homeowner? The City Water Distribution System includes all main water lines and service connections within city property up to the private property line where a cut-off valve is installed. Any pipeline beyond the property line is the owner's responsibility, except for the water meter. Property owners may hire licensed contractors (subject to inspection) or contact the Water Department for scheduled maintenance or improvements at the owner's expense. The Department reserves the right to make emergency repairs as needed.
8. What are those blue marks in the road? State law requires contacting DigSAFE before excavation. DigSAFE notifies utility companies about excavation plans, and they mark their utilities with specific colors (blue for municipal water). Since the Water Department isn't a DigSAFE member, you must call them directly at 413-594-3420 or fax 413-594-3461 to have water lines marked.
9. Why is my water shut off? There are three possible reasons for water shutoffs. Visit our Shut Off Water page for details.