NYCDEP Catskill Aqueduct Rehabilitation Project Update - Temporary Change in Water Supply

As the New York City Department of Environment Protection (NYCDEP) continues work on the Catskill Aqueduct Rehabilitation Project, they have notified the Town of New Castle and the Village of Pleasantville, which jointly own the Millwood Water Treatment Plant, that a temporary change in the water supply from the Catskill Aqueduct to the New Croton Reservoir would be required. Earlier this month the NYCDEP informed the Town and Village that the scheduled temporary shift in water supply would not be necessary; however, circumstances with the project have changed and they now report the changeover is needed. The NYCDEP is not certain when the shift will start nor can they tell us exactly how long it will last. At this point, the estimated schedule for the changeover is to last until mid-February at which point the water supply will shift back to the Catskill Aqueduct. 

Due to the change in water source, residents may detect a change in the taste or smell of their water. Please know that the water is treated and tested at the Millwood Water Treatment Plant, and will remain completely safe to drink. The Millwood Water Treatment Plant is designed to treat water, regardless of its source, that exceeds all NYS Department of Health water quality standards. 

Further updates will be provided when an exact date for the changeover is identified. Similar changeovers are also planned for 2021-2022. 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. The first shutdown, which occurred in the fall of 2019, allowed experts to inspect the inside of the aqueduct, test methods for cleaning its concrete lining, and repair a few areas where leaks were known to exist.

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 via the New Croton Aqueduct which draws from the Croton Reservoir.

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 the mid-February 2021. The Catskill Aqueduct Rehabilitation Project began in 2018, and similar shutdowns are planned in 2021-22.

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 Monday through Friday from 8am to 4pm.