Northern Westchester Joint Water Works

WHERE DOES MY WATER COME FROM

The Northern Westchester Joint Water Works sources its water primarily from the Catskill Aqueduct in the Town of Cortlandt. This surface water undergoes several treatment processes before distribution, including:

• pH adjustment
• Coagulation
• Filtration
• Chlorine disinfection
• Corrosion control

The utility maintains connections to the City of Peekskill water system as a backup supply. Additionally, treated water from the Amawalk Water Treatment Plant on Route 35 in Somers can serve as an emergency water source via the Yorktown 24" transmission main.

The NYS Department of Health has evaluated water supplies statewide under the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). These assessments estimate potential contamination risks but do not indicate that contamination has or will occur. The Northern Westchester Joint Water Works provides continuous treatment and monitoring to ensure safety standards are met.

POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS IN SOURCE WATER

• Microbial contaminants: Viruses and bacteria from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agriculture, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants: Naturally occurring salts, nutrients, and metals, or those resulting from urban runoff, wastewater discharge, or farming
• Pesticides and herbicides: From agricultural operations, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemicals: Synthetic and volatile compounds from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, stormwater runoff, and septic systems

Our water supply comes from the New York City water system, drawing from either the Catskill/Delaware watersheds east of the Hudson River or the Croton watershed in Putnam and Westchester counties. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection implements comprehensive programs to protect source water quality through watershed regulations enforcement, land acquisition, and pollution prevention partnerships.

1. What do I need to do to start new service? Visit our business office to initiate service. Bring photo ID, closing documents, and a deposit. For properties without previous water service, you'll also need an occupancy permit from the Building Department.
2. How do I end my service? Contact our office 24 hours in advance to schedule a final reading. For vacant properties, we'll need to arrange removal of the water meter and service disconnection. Someone must be present on the scheduled day to allow our staff access.
3. How long does the Water Department keep my deposit? We retain the deposit until you discontinue service and your account is paid in full.
4. Who do I contact regarding a shut-off notice? Please call our main office at (914)737-7676 to speak with a customer service representative.
5. Why is my water bill so high? In 90% of cases, inefficient plumbing is responsible. Toilet leaks are the most common cause of unexpectedly high bills.
6. How can I detect a toilet leak? If you need to jiggle the handle for proper flushing, you likely have a leak. Another method: place food coloring in the toilet tank, wait one hour without flushing, and check if color appears in the bowl. If it does, you have a leak.
7. Is my water hard or soft? Northern Westchester's water is considered moderately hard.
8. Why is my water pressure so low? Low pressure at a single source (faucet, shower, etc.) typically indicates an issue with that fixture or its supply pipe. Check for clogged screens or aerators. If pressure is low throughout your property, potential causes include meter problems, aging plumbing, undersized pipes, or significant service line leaks. Contact us at (914)737-7676 if you experience property-wide pressure issues.
9. Who maintains the water service line to my property? Property owners are responsible for underground water service lines to individual buildings. The utility maintains the distribution system's underground water mains serving entire neighborhoods.
10. How do I get my service line located? Please contact our Distribution department at (914)737-7676.