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How we assure the second goal is more complicated. Rockland County is unique in that all of our water comes from within the boundaries of the County. This means that all of our activities contribute to the quality of the water. Living on the Watershed describes many simple, common sense things you can do to help prevent pollutants from entering our water supply. Answers to commonly asked questions about the County’s Drinking Water are also available. (download the Rockland Water Talk flyer) Public Water Supplies
are regulated under Part 5 of the
New York State Sanitary Code. This regulation covers every aspect of
owning and/or operating a Public Water Supply, including installation of
new sources, testing requirements, how to notify customers if there is a
problem, proper certification of operators and protecting the water supply
from contamination. Some water systems are basic - consisting only of a
well, a pump and a tank. Others are very sophisticated - tracking actions
in the system automatically on computers and turning wells and pumps on
and off from a central location. This Bureau receives and reviews monthly
operating reports from all large system to ensure proper operation, and
does surveillance testing on all supplies as well as annual inspections of
each water source. Wellhead protection zones have been established for
each source and possible sources of contamination have been identified and
mapped. Engineering plans must be submitted and approved for new sources
and additions or changes in treatment. All of the larger systems and 20%
of the smaller systems are connected to another system for emergency
purposes. More detailed information on these programs is available through
the
New York State Department of Health.
In addition to the 80
public water supply systems in Rockland, there are an estimated 6000 to
8000 private wells. The only aspect of private wells that is regulated is
the drilling process.
(RC Sanitary Code
Article II). Prior to drilling a new or replacement well, one must
first get a permit from both RCDOH (call 364-2608 to obtain a RC Well
Permit Application) and
NYSDEC. These permits are designed to ensure that the proposed well is
sited a sufficient distance from known sources of contamination. Since,
this permitting process has only been in effect since 1989 and many wells
in the County were drilled prior to this, we have no way of knowing the
actual number or location of private wells.
Although not regulated
or required, the County also offers a fee-based water testing service.
Since the quality of water in a well varies over time, it is recommended
that private wells be tested a minimum of once a year for a minimum of
bacteria. Many other tests are also available. Each test has a separate
charge. To request a water test, contact us at (845) 364-2608. If after
sampling the water is found to be unacceptable, this Bureau provides
technical advice on how to correct the problem.
When contamination is
discovered in an area, this Bureau looks for wells that might be effected
by it. While the locations of Public Water Supply wells are known, the
locations of private wells are not. In order to find where there are
private wells a well survey must be conducted. An area of concern is
identified and fliers are left for each residence and business offering
free water testing. The results of this testing is mapped to determine the
plume of contamination. The survey area is extended until there is no
detectable contamination found. Public Meetings are held to disseminate
the information to potentially impacted residents. The Health Department
works with the Town, the nearest Public Water Supplier and the residents
to decide upon and implement an acceptable long-term solution to problem.
Most of the work done by this Bureau is “behind the scenes”. Every time you turn on your water and take a drink, think of us and know we are diligently working to ensure an adequate supply of safe, clean water. |
