Since Westchester Joint Water Works has exceeded the Lead Action Level we are required to continue sampling 60 representative distribution sites and make the necessary treatment adjustments until 90% of the sample results are below the Lead Action Level for two (2) consecutive six month monitoring periods. Therefore, we must include the following statement in this report; “Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development.  Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning disabilities.  Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.”

Variances, Exemptions, Administrative or Judicial Orders under the federal Surface Water Treatment Rule, surface supplies such as that used by the City of New York require filtration unless certain rigid requirements can be met.  New York City's filtration avoidance of its Catskill-Delaware supply was renewed for a 10 year period in July 2007 (for further information visit http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/wsstate08.pdf).  This filtration avoidance is ongoing and is to remain in effect July 2017.  This filtration avoidance applies to the WJWW Shaft 22 connection.

Despite the fact that the WJWW’s Rye Lake connection is from the Kensico Reservoir which meets all filtration avoidance criteria at New York State, WJWW has a pending order which requires the WJWW to build a filtration plant for the Rye Lake portion of the WJWW supply.  Currently WJWW is in discussion with the State regarding acceptable alternatives to the Rye Lake Filter Plant which involve alternate sources of water and the phase out of the Rye Lake intake.