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Follow the journey of a single drop of water from the deep glacial aquifers of Long Island through our multi-stage purification process to your home.
Your water begins hundreds of feet below the surface in the Upper Glacial, Magothy and Lloyd aquifers, naturally shielded by thick layers of clay and sand.
The system holds 70-140 trillion gallons. Roughly 400 billion gallons are recharged annually, far more than the 200 billion gallons pumped across Long Island.
Over 600 high-capacity wells draw water to the surface from up to 750 feet deep. Deep wells limit impact of surface pollution on the the water we pump.
We carefully monitor our well operations to manage concerns like over pumping and saltwater intrusion.
Before treatment begins, we test raw water for over 400 compounds. If a well doesn't meet our standards, it stays offline.
Our laboratory provides detection limits down to parts-per-trillion, ensuring that we identify emerging contaminants long before they pose a risk.
Water requiring filtration passes through GAC, AOP, air stripping, or iron removal systems to neutralize trace contaminants.
Only about one third of our 600 wells require advanced treatment because raw water quality in our aquifers is naturally exceptional.
We add lime to raise the pH level of the water. This vital step creates a protective layer inside your home's plumbing.
By neutralizing natural acidity, we prevent metals from leaching out of older household fixtures into your drinking water.
A small residual of chlorine is added, as required by New York State law, to ensure no bacteria is introduced during distribution.
Bacteria is not present in the aquifer because natural sediments filter it out before the water is ever pumped.
More test samples are taken after treatment to ensure the entire process is working exactly as expected.
We test for more compounds and more often than required. Frequent testing allows us to identify issues before they reach your tap.
Water is stored in over 50 elevated tanks. Gravity provides the constant pressure needed to move water to your home.
Our tanks aren't just for drinking; they provide the high-volume water pressure local fire departments need for emergencies.
6,000 miles of water main deliver high-quality water to your faucet—available 24/7/365.
SCWA water costs roughly a penny for every three gallons delivered. It remains one of the greatest values on Long Island.