NEW ROCHELLE, NY, November 7, 2014 – United Water New Rochelle customers may experience discolored water for several hours on Monday, November 10, due to maintenance work on the water system. The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYCDEP) will be working on a valve which connects United Water’s system to New York City’s Delaware Aqueduct.
United Water New Rochelle serves the communities of New Rochelle, Rye and Rye Brook, and the villages of Bronxville, Tuckahoe, Pelham, North Pelham, Pelham Manor, Ardsley, Hastings on Hudson and Dobbs Ferry.
Discoloration is caused by a buildup of harmless minerals in the water mains. Despite the discoloration, the water will meet safe drinking water standards. However, customers may want to wait until the water clears before using it for drinking, cooking or washing clothes.
Lynda DiMenna, manager of United Water New Rochelle, explained that some of the company’s water supply comes from the connection to the aqueduct. The connection will be out of service while repairs are being made on Monday. During that time United Water customers will receive water from the Catskill Aqueduct to ensure that they have uninterrupted service.
DiMenna suggested that customers fill containers on Sunday evening with water that can be used for cooking and drinking on Monday. “We recognize that this is an in convenience,” she said. “However, the maintenance is an important part of the effort to provide ongoing safe and reliable service.
Customers who have discolored water should run the cold water in the bathtub for two to three minutes. If the water does not clear, wait another hour or two and repeat the process. After the water clears, flush the cold water faucets throughout the house.
At 85-miles long, the Delaware Aqueduct is the world’s longest continuous tunnel. It runs as deep as 1,500 feet below ground and varies in diameter from 13.5 to 19.5 feet.
ABOUT UNITED WATER United Water provides water service to about 200,000 people in Westchester County. Its parent company, United Water, is one of the nation’s leading environmental companies, providing water and wastewater services to approximately 5.3 million people in the United States. In addition to owning and operating 16 water and wastewater utilities, United Water operates 84 municipal and industrial water and wastewater systems through innovative public-private partnerships and contract agreements. Founded in 1869, United Water is a subsidiary of SUEZ ENVIRONNEMENT
Press Contact: Deb Rizzi 845-623-1500
