The trial period of use of tablet chlorination instead of gaseous chlorine at the Larchmont Plant continued throughout 2003, pending final approval of the process by the Westchester County Health Department in 2004.

A Xeriscape garden at the Mamaroneck office was available to the public in 2003. This garden applies the principles of low water and no water plantings in a residential garden setting, and is intended to demonstrate ways that customers can conserve water by proper selection of plants.

It was again anticipated that the Water Works would be in a position to award a contract for expansion of its pumping capacity at Rye Lake from 14.2 mgd to 20.0 mgd in 2003, but this project is still indefinitely delayed because New York City refuses to release the plans approved by its engineering staff and to grant a permit to allow the Water Works to commence work on the project. Legal efforts will continue in 2004 to mandate New York City to allow this much needed improvement to proceed.

In 2004 the Water Works plans to expand its meter replacement program and will institute a pilot program using a vehicle-based radio remote meter reading sytem. That technology would enable the meter reader to obtain readings by radio transmissions from the meters as he drives by in a vehicle. Improvements planned for the Larchmont Plant include the relocation of caustic soda treatment to that facility from Shaft 22 for better dosage control, pump replacement, building and equipment upgrades and security improvements. Two 16 inch valves are scheduled for replacement and over 2,600 feet of distribution mains are to be replaced to improve water quality and fire protection at various locations in the distribution system.