The Monroe County Water Authority (MCWA) is a public water utility that serves the residents of Monroe County, New York, with its main office located in Rochester, NY. As a vital component of the region's infrastructure, the MCWA is responsible for providing safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to its customers. With a rich history dating back to 1950, the authority has grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of the community, currently serving over 200,000 customers across 15 municipalities.
At the heart of the MCWA's operations is its commitment to ensuring the water it delivers meets or exceeds all federal and state drinking water standards. The authority's water treatment process involves a multi-step approach, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, to remove impurities and contaminants from the water. The MCWA also conducts regular testing and monitoring to guarantee the water's quality and safety. According to the authority's 2020 Water Quality Report, the water supplied to customers met all regulatory requirements, with over 99% of tested parameters falling within acceptable limits.
Water Supply and Treatment Process
The MCWA’s water supply is primarily sourced from Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake, two of the Finger Lakes in New York. The authority operates two water treatment plants, the Hemlock Filtration Plant and the Canadice Filtration Plant, which have a combined capacity to treat up to 40 million gallons of water per day. The treatment process involves the use of advanced technologies, including ozonation and ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection, to remove bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from the water.
Water Distribution and Infrastructure
Once treated, the water is distributed to customers through a network of over 1,200 miles of water mains, ranging in size from 4 to 36 inches in diameter. The MCWA is also responsible for maintaining and upgrading its infrastructure, including the replacement of aging pipes and the installation of new valves and hydrants. In 2020, the authority invested over $10 million in capital improvements, including the replacement of over 10 miles of water main and the installation of over 500 new valves and hydrants.
| Water Quality Parameter | 2020 Average Value |
|---|---|
| pH | 7.4 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 140 mg/L |
| Turbidity | 0.1 NTU |
Key Points
- The Monroe County Water Authority serves over 200,000 customers across 15 municipalities in Monroe County, NY.
- The authority's water treatment process involves a multi-step approach, including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.
- The MCWA's water supply is primarily sourced from Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake, with a combined capacity to treat up to 40 million gallons of water per day.
- The authority invested over $10 million in capital improvements in 2020, including the replacement of aging pipes and the installation of new valves and hydrants.
- The MCWA's commitment to water quality and infrastructure maintenance is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of its customers.
Customer Service and Education
The MCWA is dedicated to providing excellent customer service and education to its customers. The authority offers a range of resources and programs, including water conservation tips, leak detection guides, and water quality reports, to help customers make informed decisions about their water use. The MCWA also participates in community events and partners with local organizations to promote water awareness and conservation.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
In the event of an emergency, such as a water main break or treatment plant issue, the MCWA has a comprehensive response plan in place to minimize disruptions to customers. The authority’s Emergency Response Plan includes procedures for notification, containment, and mitigation, as well as protocols for communicating with customers and stakeholders. The MCWA also conducts regular training exercises and drills to ensure that its staff is prepared to respond to emergencies effectively.
As a public water utility, the MCWA is committed to transparency and accountability. The authority's Board of Commissioners meets regularly to discuss operational and financial matters, and meetings are open to the public. The MCWA also publishes an Annual Report and a Water Quality Report to provide customers with information about its operations and performance.
What is the source of the MCWA's water supply?
+The MCWA's water supply is primarily sourced from Hemlock Lake and Canadice Lake, two of the Finger Lakes in New York.
How often does the MCWA test its water quality?
+The MCWA conducts regular testing and monitoring to guarantee the water's quality and safety, with over 99% of tested parameters falling within acceptable limits in 2020.
What is the MCWA's policy on water conservation?
+The MCWA offers a range of resources and programs to help customers conserve water, including water conservation tips, leak detection guides, and water quality reports.
In conclusion, the Monroe County Water Authority is a vital component of the region’s infrastructure, providing safe, reliable, and high-quality drinking water to its customers. With its commitment to water quality, infrastructure maintenance, and customer service, the MCWA is well-positioned to meet the changing needs of the community and ensure the health and well-being of its customers.
