# Maintaining High Water Quality Standards in Westchester County

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2009/04/maintaining-high-water-quality-standards-in-westchester-county/
- Published: 2009-04-29T14:24:00-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## Ensuring Safe and Clean Water: Westchester County Department of Health’s Commitment to Water Quality

Water is a precious resource, and in Westchester County, New York, the Department
of Health (DOH) plays a crucial role in safeguarding the quality of our water supply.
Through rigorous monitoring, testing, and regulation, the DOH works tirelessly to
ensure that residents have access to safe and clean water for drinking, bathing,
and recreational use.

One of the primary [responsibilities](https://health.westchestergov.com/water-quality)
of the DOH is overseeing the county’s public water supply. In fact, the department
monitors and regulates over 100 public water systems throughout Westchester. These
systems serve approximately 85% of the county’s population, with the remaining residents
relying on private wells. To maintain high standards, the DOH conducts regular inspections
and water quality testing at treatment plants, storage facilities, and distribution
systems.

![Westchester water quality. Impacts of COVID-19 on daily water use](https://i0.
wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IMG_1387.jpeg?resize=600%2C400&
quality=89&ssl=1)

### Westchester Watersheds

Moreover, the DOH is actively involved in protecting Westchester’s watersheds. The
county’s water supply comes from various sources, including the Croton and Catskill/
Delaware watersheds. The department works closely with New York City and other regional
partners to implement watershed protection programs. These initiatives aim to prevent
contamination at the source, thereby reducing the need for extensive treatment and
ensuring long-term water quality.

#### Westchester Natural Water Bodies

In addition to overseeing public water systems, the DOH also plays a vital role 
in monitoring and protecting Westchester’s natural water bodies. The county boasts
numerous lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as miles of coastline along the Long
Island Sound and Hudson River. Environmental health inspectors regularly test these
waters for contaminants and respond promptly to reports of pollution or sewage spills.

For residents with private wells, the DOH offers valuable resources and guidance.
The department recommends annual testing of private wells and provides information
on proper well maintenance and potential contaminants. Additionally, the DOH offers
a free testing program for private well owners in certain areas of the county.

#### Water Quality Testing

The department’s commitment to water quality extends beyond just testing and regulation.
The DOH also focuses on education and outreach, providing residents with information
about water conservation, proper disposal of medications and chemicals, and the 
importance of reducing fertilizer use to protect water quality.

In recent years, emerging contaminants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
have become a growing concern. The Westchester County DOH has been proactive in 
addressing this issue, working with state and federal agencies to monitor these 
substances and develop strategies to mitigate their impact on water quality.

#### Conclusion

As climate change continues to affect our environment, the DOH is also looking ahead
to future challenges. The department is involved in developing resilience plans 
to protect water infrastructure from extreme weather events and studying the potential
impacts of rising sea levels on coastal water quality.

Through these comprehensive efforts, the Westchester County Department of Health
demonstrates its unwavering commitment to protecting and improving water quality.
By safeguarding this essential resource, the DOH plays a vital role in maintaining
the health and well-being of Westchester residents, both now and for generations
to come.

I am going to the May 9th event!

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
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