Water Quality FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes! Plattsburgh Water Treatment Plant produces drinking water that meets all the federal and state drinking water standards. We have tested for lead and copper in homes that have lead services and found that all levels are below the action level.

Where does my water come from?
The City of Plattsburgh utilizes three upland gravity service water sources, (Mead reservoir, Westbrook reservoirs, and Saranac river), to supply drinking water to the City of Plattsburgh. Water taken from the sources is piped to the cities water filtration plant located west of the city limits on NYS Rt. 3.

What do you do to treat the water before I receive it?
The City of Plattsburgh Water Treatment Plant is a conventional filtration plant. Water taken from the sources is treated with a coagulant (PCH 180), which uses the fine particles in the water to combine thereby increasing their ability to settle during the sedimentation process. After sedimentation the water is filtered. Chlorine is added prior to the sedimentation process and after filtration to insure organisms in the water that can cause illness are killed.

Why does the water look dirty sometimes?
Parts of the distribution system are old. Rust or sediments may have accumulated over the years and any changes in flow may disturb this material and cause discolored water. Entrained air may also cause the water to be “milky”. Typical events that may cause temporary discoloration of the water include:

*Fire in the area
*Breaks and repairs in the water main
*Construction of water mains
*Hydrant flushing and maintenance work

Do not drink discolored water! Should this occur run your cold-water faucet for a period to clear the water. If the water remains discolored run the cold water in the bathtub at full rate for 5 – 10 minutes. If discoloration remains customers should call City of Plattsburgh Public Works at (518) 563-1120.

What is a cross-connection?
A cross connection is a physical interconnection between the drinking water and possible sources of contaminated water. In the home, typical cross-connections may be from garden hoses, sprinkler systems, dishwashers and heating systems. Cross-connections must be avoided to protect your health. If you suspect a cross contamination City of Plattsburgh customers should call the Dept.of Public Works at (518) 563-1120.