January 31, 2025

DEP Partners with Town of Colchester to Improve Water Reliability for Campus Facilities and Support Local Community

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the successful connection of its Downsville Campus water system to the Downsville Water District in the Town of Colchester. This connection marks a significant upgrade from the previous well-based system, ensuring a more reliable and sustainable water supply for the campus while also benefiting the local community.

Previously, DEP’s Downsville Campus water system included two wells with ultraviolet light (UV) disinfection units. The main well house, constructed in the 1970s, provided potable water to the office, annex, and shop, while a second well and UV system served the Downsville Precinct, added in the early 2000s.

“This connection is a win-win for DEP and the Town of Colchester,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “It strengthens water reliability for our operations and demonstrates the positive impact of collaboration between DEP and local municipalities to optimize resources for the benefit of all.”

“We are pleased to partner with DEP on this important initiative,” said Town of Colchester Supervisor Art Merrill. “Connecting the Downsville campus to our public water system ensures a more reliable and efficient water supply for the campus while reducing the burden of maintaining standalone infrastructure. Additionally, having DEP as a ratepayer benefits the town by supporting the district’s operations and long-term sustainability, helping to ensure that our system continues to meet the needs of all users.”

The upgrade represents DEP’s commitment to being a strong community partner, managing infrastructure in a way that provides mutual benefits to the watershed and its residents. By transitioning to the Downsville Water District, DEP ensures that its facilities are served by a centralized, high-quality water source, while reducing long-term operational demands associated with maintaining independent groundwater systems.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing more than 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City and 1 million more in counties north of the City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the City, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $33.3 billion in investments over the next 10 years. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter.