Catskill Aqueduct Rehabilitation Project Update – Water Source Switchover

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) will be shutting down the Catskill Aqueduct on October 2, 2021 for planned repair work over the next 15 weeks. During this period, the Village’s water source will temporarily switchover from the Ashokan Reservoir to the Croton Reservoir through mid-January 2022. All Pleasantville water is tested and treated at the Millwood Water Treatment Plant, which is owned by both the Village and the Town of New Castle. The facility is designed to treat water, regardless of its source, that exceeds all EPA and NYS Department of Health water quality standards.

NYCDEP Catskill Aqueduct Rehabilitation Project:

The 92-mile-long Catskill Aqueduct stretches from Ashokan Reservoir in Ulster County to Hillview Reservoir in Yonkers. The rehabilitation project focuses on the 74 northernmost miles of the aqueduct, from Ashokan to Kensico Reservoir in Valhalla. To safely perform the work, NYCDEP must periodically shut down the Catskill Aqueduct for weeks at a time.

Activity at NYCDEP’s Lake Street Site in Pleasantville:

There will be activity at NYCDEP’s Lake Street site through January as they perform work inside the Catskill Aqueduct to repair cracks. Residents with questions about this specific area can contact the project manager, Melissa Beristain at mberistain@dep.nyc.gov or 646 457-8799.

Please see the FAQ below for further information:

Why are we getting our water from another source?

Pleasantville usually gets its water from the Ashoken Reservoir via the Catskill Aqueduct. This aqueduct is also used to provide drinking water to millions of New York City residents. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) has begun a multi-year project to repair the century old Catskill Aqueduct. This project requires NYCDEP to periodically shut down the Catskill Aqueduct. During the shutdown, we will get out water from the Croton Reservoir via the New Croton Aqueduct.

How long will this last?

The expectation is for the Catskill Aqueduct to be reopen and the water supply shifted back to its original source by mid-January 2022.

Will I notice a difference in my water?

Some people may detect a difference in the taste of their water because it is coming from a different source. Waters coming from the Ashokan and Croton Reservoirs are exposed to different kinds of bedrock, minerals, and other natural features, which can cause them to taste slightly different.

Is the water safe?

YES! All water that is treated at the Millwood Water Treatment Plant is thoroughly tested and exceeds the stringent requirements of the New York State Department of Health.

Will the cost of my water increase due to this change?

No.

Where can I get additional information?

For further information please contact the Millwood Water Treatment Plant at 914-944-0036 or 914-944-0037 and ask for the Plant Manager John Young or the Assistant Plant Manager Paul Steirs. They are available Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.