Westchester County Water District #1

To comply with State regulations, Westchester County Water District No. 3 (WCWD3) issues an annual report detailing the quality of your municipal water. This report aims to increase awareness about your water supply and highlight the importance of protecting our water sources.

Last year, your tap water met all State health requirements. We conducted tests for over 100 potential contaminants, detecting only 12, with none exceeding State maximum limits. This report provides an overview of water quality for the past year, including information about water sources, composition, and compliance with State standards.

Water Source Information:

WCWD3 relies on the New York City Reservoir System, an unfiltered surface water supply. The water comes primarily from two protected watershed areas: the Catskill and Delaware regions, located approximately 100 miles northwest of the city. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) manages these upstate reservoir systems, consisting of 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes.

On average, 1.2 billion gallons of water flows daily through DEP-owned aqueduct systems (the Catskill and Delaware) to the Kensico Reservoir in Westchester County. Since 2012, WCWD3 has drawn water from a Delaware Aqueduct connection at the Kensico Reservoir through our UV Disinfection system. During emergencies, water can also enter the system from the City of Greenburgh through an inter-connection to maintain pressure and fire flow.

Treatment Process:

Our surface water is conveyed from upstate reservoirs through NYC's aqueducts to the Kensico Reservoir, then through a transmission main to Commerce Street. The District maintains a connection there and a transmission main to the Gate of Bliss Pump Station. Water treatment includes ultraviolet light and sodium hypochlorite for disinfection, caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) for pH adjustment, and orthophosphate for corrosion control before distribution.

Source Water Assessment:

The NY State Department of Health has evaluated the susceptibility of water supplies to potential contamination under the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). These assessments use available information to estimate the possibility of source water contamination. Higher susceptibility ratings don't necessarily mean contamination has or will occur, as the water system includes treatment and regular monitoring to ensure safety.

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection implements programs to assess and protect source water quality in these watersheds, focusing on strengthened Watershed Regulations, acquisition and protection of watershed lands, and implementing partnership programs targeting specific pollution sources.

Rental Housing Inspection Program FAQ

1. Does the City of Kent have authority to create the RHIP?
   Yes, Washington State Legislature has authorized municipalities to establish rental inspection programs requiring certificates of inspection as business license conditions. The City of Kent's Rental Housing Inspection Program (RHIP) was created under RCW 59.18.125.
2. What housing types require inspections?
   Multi-family residential properties (apartments), including residential buildings designed for or occupied by three or more families.
3. What residential housing units are exempt?
   
   • Owner-occupied single-family homes
   • Units unavailable for rent
   • Housing units in hotels, motels, or similar temporary accommodations
   • Institutional housing where residence is incidental to care services
   • Owner-occupied mobile or manufactured homes
   • Shelters and transitional housing
   • Government-owned, operated, or managed rental units
   • Condominium units with certificates of occupancy issued within the last four years with no code violations
4. Is Section 8 housing exempt?
   King County Housing Authority inspections are considered equivalent to RHIP inspections. Landlords enrolled in Section 8 can submit proof of their most recent passed KCHA inspection by October 1st to renew their multi-family business license by January 1st.
5. What aspects are inspected?
   Health and safety components including structural integrity, weather protection, plumbing and sanitation, heating systems, water facilities, ventilation systems, electrical systems, exit safety, and smoke & carbon monoxide detectors. These align with RCW 59.18 and the 2015 International Property Maintenance Code.
6. Must every unit be inspected?
   No, 20% of total units must be inspected every three years, in accordance with RCW 59.18.125. The specific units are randomly selected by the City.