Drinking Water Sampling Stations

DEP's water quality sampling stations were installed to enhance our water quality monitoring program and to comply with federal and state drinking water regulations.

The stations provide a uniform and sanitary sampling environment that has improved the efficiency of water sampling efforts, and thereby help protect public health.

DEP collects more than 1,200 water samples per month from up to 546 locations. Water samples are analyzed for bacteria, chlorine levels, pH, inorganic and organic pollutants, turbidity, odor, and many other water quality indicators.

A total of 965 sampling stations have been installed citywide. Sampling from the new stations began in March of 1997.

Locations for the stations were chosen based on the need to gather representative samples of the water quality in all distribution areas. Consequently, factors such as population density, water pressure zones, proximity to water mains, and accessibility were considered.

The stations rise about 4 1/2 feet above the ground and are made of heavy cast iron. Inside, a 3/4 inch copper tube feeds water from a nearby water main into the station. Each station is equipped with a spigot from which water samples are taken. The total cost of the construction and installation of the new stations was approximately 11 million dollars.