Oneida City

In compliance with state regulations, the Oneida Water Department issues annual reports detailing the quality of your municipal water supply. These reports aim to increase public awareness about 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 with no violations of maximum contaminant levels or other water quality standards. This report provides an overview of the previous year's water quality testing and results.

Oneida's Water System Profile:
Constructed in 1926, Oneida's Florence Creek Water System received significant upgrades in the early 1980s when the current treatment facility was completed. This improvement addressed longstanding issues with taste, odor, and color in the City's upland supply.

Today, the Oneida Water Department serves over 21,000 residents, delivering an average of 2.3 million gallons daily (2.3 MGD). Our team of 16 dedicated professionals treats, monitors, maintains, and distributes water through more than 81.6 miles of mains spanning two counties, three cities, five towns, and four townships. Through municipal cooperation and employee dedication, this water supply has become a valuable regional asset.

Water Source:
Oneida's water comes from the high-quality Glenmore Reservoir on Florence Creek, located 20 miles north of the City in Annsville, Oneida County. The reservoir is fed by a 13.8 square mile watershed on the Tug Hill Plateau's edge, primarily consisting of forestland (approximately half being State Reforestation land). The 378-foot long, 45-foot high dam was built in 1926 and can store 299 million gallons of water on the City-owned 500-acre site.

Treatment Process:
Although our reservoir and watershed receive regular inspections with no contamination observed, treatment is necessary to ensure safe water distribution. Our Water Treatment Plant, located half a kilometer downstream from the dam, was completed in 1980. This conventional facility has a 4 MGD production capacity and features rapid mixing, flocculation chambers, contact basins, dual media filters, and a clear-well tank. After chemical addition, contact and filtration, chlorination equipment eliminates pathogens and maintains chlorine residual. We also add zinc orthophosphate to inhibit pipe corrosion. Grade 1A and IIA operators run the plant year-round, using an onsite laboratory for daily chemical testing.

Distribution System:
A 20-inch cast iron main carries water from the clear well tank to the City. The Lake Street pump station increases pipeline capacity from 2.8 MGD to 3.5 MGD. Water is distributed through 80.6 miles of water mains throughout Oneida. The Baker and Clark Tanks provide 15 million gallons of combined storage capacity, balancing system pressure and ensuring adequate fire protection. A chlorination facility at the tank site treats all water before distribution.

Frequently Asked Questions About Municipal Water Services

1. What payment methods do you accept?
   Payments can be made via cash, cashier's check, credit card, or money order. Online payment services are available for your convenience. Personal checks are not accepted.
2. Can I make payments online?
   Adult customers may utilize our online payment system. Juvenile account holders can view fees and case information but cannot make online payments. Payments are processed during business hours and must be received by your appearance date to avoid court appearances.
3. Can I mail my payment?
   Adult customers may mail payments via money order or cashier's check made payable to the Municipal Water Authority. Include your account information and a copy of your statement. Payments must be received by the due date to avoid penalties.
4. How can I check my account balance and due dates?
   Visit our Municipal Records Online portal to search for your account information and outstanding balances.
5. Can I call to inquire about other accounts or records?
   Our office can only discuss accounts with the account holder or authorized representative. For information about other jurisdictions, you must contact the appropriate authorities directly.
6. If I pay before the scheduled date, do I still need to appear?
   If you've properly resolved your account prior to any required appearance date, you typically won't need to appear. However, it's your responsibility to verify proper resolution. You can check your account status through our Records Search function.
7. Do I need legal representation for water quality issues?
   You may represent yourself or hire an attorney. The Municipal Authority does not provide legal representation, but you may retain one independently. Only licensed attorneys can represent others in official proceedings.