Peekskill City

In accordance with State and Federal regulations, the Peekskill Water Division publishes an annual report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to enhance your understanding of tap water and raise awareness about protecting our vital water resources.

We're proud to report that last year, your tap water met all State health requirements for municipal water. Our system did not violate any maximum contaminant levels or other water quality standards. If you have questions regarding this report or your municipal water supply, please contact David Rambo, Water & Sewer Superintendent at 914-734-4152.

Water Source Information
Peekskill's water comes from surface water sources. As water travels across land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and can pick up substances from animal presence or human activities. Potential contaminants may include microbial agents, inorganic compounds, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemicals, and radioactive substances.

The NY State Department of Health completed a Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) for our area. This assessment found increased susceptibility to contamination in our drinking water source. Pasture land in the assessment area contributes to a medium possibility of protozoa contamination. The moderate density of sanitary wastewater discharges results in elevated susceptibility across multiple contaminant categories.

Peekskill's Water Supply System
Our community has two surface water sources. The primary year-round source originates in Putnam County, while an emergency backup is available through the Catskill Aqueduct from a neighboring community. During 2017, our system operated without any water supply restrictions.

Water is pumped to the Campfield Reservoir in Peekskill, where it undergoes comprehensive treatment including coagulation, flocculation, mixed air flotation, filtration, and disinfection. The pH is adjusted for corrosion control before distribution throughout the system.

Water Usage Statistics
Our municipal water system serves approximately 23,000 residents through 4,800 service connections. In 2017, we produced 1,453,314,524 gallons of water, with 988,253,877 gallons delivered to customers. The daily average pumped into the distribution system was 3,981,683 gallons, with our highest usage day reaching 5,016,828 gallons on June 15th.

Are there locations with water shortages in America?

Several coastal regions in California face fresh water supply challenges. To address these shortages, communities implement various solutions including desalination (removing salt from seawater) and creating underground pipeline networks to transport water from neighboring areas with greater supplies. Engineers continuously develop innovative methods to deliver water efficiently to communities throughout the country.

How are water rates determined?

Public water utilities typically establish their own rates without requiring state public utility commission approval. Private water companies, however, must apply to their state's Public Utilities Commission when seeking rate increases. Private companies are entitled to earn reasonable returns on prudent capital investments, though these returns aren't guaranteed and depend on operational efficiency. Regulators evaluate whether infrastructure investments are reasonable and if the company operates prudently before approving rate changes.

How can I prepare for drought conditions?

Many regions experience water shortages due to drier, warmer weather patterns and long-term resource challenges. When conservation becomes mandatory, local authorities provide specific guidance. Visit our Wise Water Use section for practical conservation strategies.

How does municipal water reach my tap?

The water infrastructure system works through three main components:

1. Pumping stations extract raw water from sources like aquifers or rivers
2. Treatment facilities process the water to meet EPA quality standards
3. Distribution systems transport treated water through pipe networks to homes and businesses

The U.S. water pipe network extends over 700,000 miles—more than three times the length of the National Highway System. American Water alone maintains 48,000 miles of pipe infrastructure.

How is municipal water treated?

After water is drawn from its source (underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, lakes), it flows to treatment facilities where modern systems combine chemical processes and filtration to ensure quality before distribution. Engineers design these facilities to address the specific needs of their communities. As demand increases, additional resources and investments become necessary to maintain compliance with established standards set by the EPA and state regulations.

How do I know if my water is safe to drink?

The Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 authorized the EPA to establish standards for water delivered by community systems serving more than 25 people. These national health-based standards protect against naturally-occurring and human-made contaminants. Municipal water utilities perform numerous daily tests to ensure customers receive high-quality drinking water that meets all regulatory requirements.