Olean City

In compliance with New York State regulations, the City of Olean publishes an annual report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to enhance your understanding of water quality and highlight the importance of protecting our water sources.

We're pleased to report that last year, your tap water met all State health requirements, and our system did not violate any maximum contaminant levels for collected and analyzed samples. This report provides an overview of the past year's water quality, including information about your water's source, composition, and how it compares to New York State standards.

If you have questions about this report or our water system in general, please contact one of the individuals listed above. We want you to be well-informed about your municipal water and are ready to address any questions or concerns. You can also learn more by attending the City of Olean Common Council meetings held at 7:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month (except holidays) at the City and County Building.

WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?
The City of Olean utilizes four water sources: Well site M18 on Richmond Ave, Well sites M37 and M38 on East River Road, and the water treatment plant on Water Street which draws from Olean Creek. We experienced no water restrictions during the past year.

Water from our well sites undergoes processing through air-stripper towers to remove volatile contaminants. We add chlorine for disinfection and fluoride for dental health before pumping to the distribution system. Process monitoring equipment provides real-time data to operators at the water plant.

Our water plant treats water from Olean Creek using chemicals to help settle particles. After larger particles settle, the water is disinfected with sodium hypochlorite (chlorine) and filtered through anthracite (removing taste and odor) and sand. Post-filtration, we add fluoride, caustic soda for pH adjustment (corrosion control), and additional sodium hypochlorite. The water then passes through a Clearwell to allow proper chlorine contact time before distribution.

1. When will my payment be applied to my account after I make it?
   Answer: Your payment may take up to 2 business days to post to your account. If it hasn't posted, please contact our business office at 256-543-2884.
2. Can I register my elderly parents' account online and pay their water bill?
   Answer: Yes. You'll need their current bill with the Account Number and Name to register their Account.
3. I have multiple accounts with the water utility. Can I pay each bill from a different account?
   Answer: Yes. We accept credit cards, debit cards, cash and checks.
4. What should I do if I forget my password?
   Answer: Call the business office at 256-543-2884.
5. Will I still receive a paper bill if I pay online?
   Answer: Yes. However, you have the option to discontinue paper bills.
6. What if I receive an email about a change or charge I didn't make?
   Answer: Contact our business office immediately at 256-543-2884.
7. Can I make an advance payment if I'll be traveling?
   Answer: Yes. We allow pre-payments on individual accounts. Simply enter a payment amount for each account you wish to prepay.
8. Can I remove an account from the billing system if I decide not to use it?
   Answer: Yes, this option is available through your online account.
9. Why can't I sign up again after removing all my accounts?
   Answer: Removing all accounts deactivates your profile. Simply re-register the account(s) you wish to use.