Port Washington WD

In compliance with State regulations, Port Washington Water District annually releases a detailed report on the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to enhance your understanding of tap water quality and emphasize the importance of protecting our vital water sources.

If you have questions about this report or your municipal water, please contact Paul Granger, G.E., Superintendent of the Port Washington Water District at (516) 767-0171. Alternatively, you can reach the EPA Safe Municipal Water Hotline (1-800-426-4791) or Nassau County Department of Health at (516) 227-9692.

We encourage community engagement regarding your water quality. For additional information, visit the EPA website at www.epa.gov/safewater/ or the Department of Health website at www.health.state.ny.us/. You're also welcome to attend our weekly board meetings held Wednesdays at 8:00 a.m. at the District Office unless otherwise announced.

OUR WATER SOURCE
Municipal water (both tap and bottled) originates from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground, it dissolves natural minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, potentially picking up substances from animal or human activities. The Port Washington Water District draws groundwater from 12 wells (ranging from 90' to 600' deep) located across eight stations. These wells tap into the Glacial, Port Washington, Magothy, and Lloyd Aquifers beneath Long Island.

Our infrastructure includes over 110 kilometers of water mains (4" to 24" diameter), approximately 1089 fire hydrants, and 24.25 million gallons of storage capacity. This storage includes 1.25 million gallons in two elevated tanks, 1 million gallons in a ground storage tank, and 22 million gallons in an underground concrete reservoir. The District is fully metered and maintains an active cross-connection control program in compliance with state sanitary codes.

The Nassau County Department of Health has completed a Source Water Assessment Program for our district. This assessment evaluates potential threats to our water supply based on contamination risks and how quickly contaminants could reach wells. The susceptibility rating estimates potential contamination risk but does not indicate that the water delivered to consumers is or will ever become contaminated.

Are there water-scarce regions in America, and what solutions are being implemented?

Several coastal California regions face freshwater shortages that have prompted innovative solutions. These include desalination technology that removes salt from seawater to create potable water, and infrastructure projects that transport water from resource-rich areas to drought-prone communities through underground pipeline networks. Engineers continually develop methods to distribute water efficiently and sustainably across all communities.

How are municipal water rates determined?

Public water utilities typically establish their own pricing structures without requiring state public utility commission approval. In contrast, private companies must submit rate increase requests to their state's Public Utilities Commission. These private companies are entitled to earn reasonable returns on prudent capital investments, though specific returns aren't guaranteed—success depends on effective management. Regulators evaluate whether infrastructure investments are reasonable and operations are prudent before approving rate adjustments.

How can I prepare for drought conditions?

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

How does water reach my tap?

The water infrastructure system operates through three primary components: pumping stations extract untreated water from sources like aquifers or rivers; treatment facilities process this water to meet EPA quality standards; and distribution systems—networks of pipes spanning over 700,000 miles nationwide—deliver the treated water to homes and businesses. American Water alone maintains 48,000 miles of pipeline infrastructure.

How is municipal water treated?

After collection from underground aquifers, rivers, reservoirs, or lakes, water enters treatment facilities where modern systems combine chemical processes and filtration to ensure quality before distribution. Engineers design these facilities to address specific community needs, and as demand increases, additional resources and investments become necessary to maintain compliance with EPA and state standards.

How do I know my tap water is safe?

The Safe Drinking Act of 1974 authorized the EPA to establish standards for all community water systems serving more than 25 people. These health-based standards protect against both natural and man-made contaminants. Water utilities conduct numerous daily tests to ensure customers receive high-quality water that meets these rigorous standards.

Is bottled water superior to tap water?

No evidence suggests bottled water is better than tap water. All municipal water must meet strict EPA standards under the Safe Drinking Act, with frequent testing for regulatory compliance. Bottled water providers operate under less stringent requirements by comparison.

What are effective water conservation methods?

Repairing leaky faucets and toilets offers immediate savings—a faucet dripping once per second wastes approximately 2,700 gallons annually. Running dishwashers and washing machines only when full also significantly reduces consumption. Visit our Wise Water Use section for additional household conservation tips.