Water Authority of Western Nassau

We are pleased to present this year's Annual Water Quality Report. In compliance with New York State Public Health Law and Federal guidelines, this document provides important information about your municipal water quality, including comprehensive laboratory test results from 2017.

This report helps you understand:

• The source of your tap water
• How safe water is delivered to your home
• The importance of source protection measures

Informed residents are more likely to help protect our water resources and understand the challenges involved in providing safe municipal water. The Chairman's Report to customers in the Water Authority's service area is included on page 7.

The Water Authority has initiated a major Air-Stripper Treatment project at Station No. 15 in Elmont. This three-phase project will return four wells to service in the western portion of our territory. Additionally, we've engaged engineers to design and construct a state-of-the-art treatment system for 1,4-Dioxane removal in New Hyde Park, expected to be operational by Summer 2018. A $3 million state grant was secured to help fund this important project.

Current and previous water quality reports are available on our website at www.wawnc.org. Additional copies and supplemental water quality data for each well in service during 2017 are available at our office at 1580 Union Turnpike, New Hyde Park.

The Water Authority remains committed to safety, reliability and high-quality water. Our dedicated staff looks forward to serving you in 2018 and beyond.

All municipal water in our region comes from groundwater drawn from 24 drilled wells ranging from 87 to 722 feet deep in the Upper Glacial, Magothy and Lloyd aquifers. Our treatment process includes:

• Chlorine disinfection (sodium hypochlorite) to maintain bacteria-free water throughout the distribution system
• Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to neutralize naturally acidic Long Island groundwater, raising pH to about 7.5 to minimize corrosion
• Zinc orthophosphate as a corrosion inhibitor to protect water mains, service lines and household plumbing
• Air strippers and activated carbon treatment to remove Volatile Organic Compounds
• Iron removal facilities to address naturally occurring iron and manganese in groundwater

All treatments comply with applicable Federal, State and local municipal water standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the water hardness level in my area?
   Water hardness ranges between 8-19 grains per gallon, varying by location within our service area.
2. What is the pH level of our municipal water?
   Our water typically ranges from 6.8 to 7.6 pH, with 7.0 being neutral. The Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level for pH is 6.5 to 8.5.
3. What is my water pressure?
   Our system operates on gravity pressure, averaging around 60 psi (pounds per square inch). Pressure varies by elevation - higher elevations experience lower pressure, while lower elevations may have higher pressure.
4. How much is a unit of water?
   One unit equals 100 cubic feet or 748 gallons of water.
5. How does my billing cycle work?
   Bills cover two-month periods, are mailed on the 10th of the month, and due by the 5th of the following month. For example, January bills cover November-December usage.
6. What is the "Water Service" fee?
   This is a fixed charge for having water service available at your connection.
7. How is our water disinfected?
   We use chloramines to safely disinfect our water supply, which comes from local groundwater and imported water that may include State Water Project sources.
8. Why does my water sometimes smell unusual?
   Common causes include stagnant water in hot water heaters (try draining your water heater) or shallow plumbing traps under sinks that need cleaning.
9. How do I turn off my water in an emergency?
   Look for a valve outside your home where the water line enters. Your sprinkler system should have separate valves. As a last resort, you can turn off water at the meter using a special water meter key.
10. How can I find a leak on my property?
    Turn off all water fixtures and check if your meter dial is still turning. Check toilets for slow leaks, verify water softener settings, and inspect your sprinkler system for damaged heads or valves.
11. Who is responsible for water leaks and sewer line issues?
    Homeowners are responsible for water leaks after the meter toward the house and for sewer laterals from the house to the main line in the street.