Water Quality

Water and sewer infrastructure were the foundation of the Development Authority, with initial projects built to serve the wastewater and drinking water needs of a growing Fort Drum. The Water Quality Division emerged as the Authority evolved to assist an ever-growing number of communities struggling to meet their water and wastewater needs. The Authority’s technical expertise and ability to implement solutions that cross municipal boundaries has made it a valuable partner in helping communities across the region develop cost-effective methods of meeting their water and wastewater needs as well as providing the capacity for growth.

The Water Quality Division operates and maintains approximately 45 miles of water and sewer pipelines and associated pumping stations. These facilities serve Fort Drum and western Jefferson County, and are linked to the City of Watertown water and sewer treatment facilities and the Village of Cape Vincent water treatment facility. The Development Authority's licensed professional staff, supported by sophisticated computer monitoring and control equipment, manages its water and wastewater facilities. The staff also provides contract operation and maintenance services for 26 water treatment facilities and 16 wastewater treatment facilities in various towns and villages in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, helping those communities to meet the needs of their residents as well as regulatory requirements, in a cost-effective manner.

On a contractual basis, the Development Authority can provide to municipal customers:

• Full-service operation and maintenance contracts
• Selective operation and maintenance assistance
• Operator-of-record services
• 24-hour on-call coverage for emergencies
• All required DOH and DEC sampling and reports
• Preventative maintenance
• Meter readings as required for water usage or billing
• Hydrant flushing and valve exercising
• Inventory maintenance
• Manhole inspections
• Development of site-specific standard operating procedures
• Preparation and submission of Annual Water Quality Reports

In addition, the Development Authority owns specialized equipment that is required for infrequent water quality service or projects but is often too costly for each individual community to own. This equipment is available to provide contract services:

• Large backup/bypass pumps
• Sewer inspection camera
• Sewer jetter
• Pipe-thawing equipment
• Leak detection equipment for water lines

For information on Water Quality Services contact Brian Nutting, Water Quality Division Director:  bnutting@danc.org