WHERE DOES OUR WATER COME FROM?

Generally, municipal water supplies (both tap and bottled) originate from rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water moves across land or through soil, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals and, in some instances, radioactive materials. It can also collect substances resulting from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include: microbial contaminants, inorganic substances, pesticides, herbicides, organic chemical compounds, and radioactive elements. To ensure safety, state and EPA regulations limit specific contaminant levels in public water systems. Similarly, the State Health Department and FDA establish contaminant thresholds for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

The East Branch of the Niagara River serves as Lockport's primary water source. The Niagara County Health Department rates both the quantity and quality of our raw water as excellent. During 2017, our system experienced no restrictions on water supply.

At our Raw Water Pumping Station (built 1968), we apply chlorination for disinfection and zebra mussel control. This water travels 13 miles through a 30-inch forced main to the Lockport Water Treatment Plant (established 1930) at 220 Summit St. Our facility employs traditional treatment methods: coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, chlorination, and fluoridation. Coagulation and sedimentation remove particulates before filtration. The filtration process eliminates fine organic and inorganic particles that weren't removed during sedimentation. Chlorine disinfects the water and maintains sanitary quality as it travels from the treatment plant to homes. Fluoride addition helps prevent dental cavities.

CITY OF LOCKPORT SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT SUMMARY

The New York State Department of Health completed a Source Water Assessment of our raw water supply under the State's Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP). This program compiles and evaluates information about potential and actual threats to public water supply quality. It's important to note that these reports estimate untreated water source contamination risk rather than addressing treated tap water safety.

The Great Lakes watershed is extensive and too large for detailed SWAP assessment. General concerns for public water supplies using these sources include: storm-generated turbidity, wastewater contamination, toxic sediments, transportation-related spills, and invasive species issues (such as zebra mussels causing intake clogging and taste/odor problems).

Our SWAP analysis examined contaminant inventory in the drainage area most likely to impact water quality at our raw water intake. This analysis revealed heightened contamination susceptibility. The residential concentration in the assessment area increases potential for microbials, disinfection byproduct precursors, turbidity and pesticide contamination. The high density of sanitary wastewater discharges also elevates susceptibility across multiple contaminant categories. Non-sanitary wastewater can similarly affect water quality.

Additional contamination risks are associated with specific sources including Chemical Bulk Storage facilities, Inactive Hazardous Waste Sites, Landfills, Toxic Release Inventory data, Municipal Sewage Facilities, and Resources Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) facilities. Limited SWAP report copies are available at the Water Office in City Hall.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The City of Lockport Water Treatment Plant operates at 12 million gallons daily (with 16 million gallon design capacity), owned by and serving Lockport. Our system provides water to 21,165 residents through 7,900 service connections. Total 2017 water production reached 1.89 billion gallons, averaging 5,181,775 gallons daily into the distribution system. Our peak day required 8,500,000 gallons. Customer delivery totaled 0.548 billion gallons, leaving 1.34 billion gallons unaccounted for (71% of production). This water was used for main flushing and firefighting, though most was lost through leakage in the city's aging water infrastructure. The average family of four consumed 75,000 gallons annually (10,027 cubic feet) at a cost of $520 (under 1¢ per gallon). Rates increased in 2014 for the first time since 2008.

The City of Lockport and Niagara County Water District maintain interconnection through a 20-inch water main, allowing both systems to supply water to each other when needed.

ARE THERE CONTAMINANTS IN OUR MUNICIPAL WATER?

The City of Lockport Water Department regularly monitors your municipal water for contaminants according to Federal and State regulations. These contaminants include total coliform, turbidity, inorganic compounds, nitrate, lead and copper, volatile organic compounds, and general bacteria.

1. How do I handle a traffic citation?

   Violators have up to 10 days from the offense date to appear in Municipal Court to plead not guilty and request a trial date, plead guilty, or plead no contest and pay a fine. Defensive driving courses and other arrangements are processed through the municipal court. Please click the provided link for more information.

2. How are weather warnings communicated to the public?

   Weather alerts reach our residents through multiple channels. The City uses CodeRED to distribute information via phone calls, text messages, and email. We encourage citizens to register for this service by clicking 'more' below. National Weather Service warnings are automatically sent through CodeRED whenever a warning affects the City. Outdoor warning sirens alert people outside to seek shelter indoors and tune to local electronic media or scanners. The city also utilizes SuddenLink communications service, which allows officials to override the local cable system for emergency messaging.

3. What regulations govern outdoor storage?

   Property owners, residents, and businesses must maintain properties free of materials vulnerable to weather deterioration, including furniture, containers, appliances, vehicle parts, tires, paper, and other objectionable, hazardous, unsanitary or unsightly items not designed for outdoor use. Materials stored disorderly or in ways that could harbor rodents or other pests are also prohibited. Violating this ordinance can result in Municipal Court fines up to $2,000 per day of violation. The city may also correct violations at the owner's expense and assess a $220 administrative penalty. If work costs remain unpaid after 30 days, a lien may be filed against the property.