May 31, 2005

Contact: Charles G. Sturcken (718) 595-6600

Croton Aqueduct Resumes Water Distribution to Parts of the Bronx

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection announced that delivery of drinking water from the Croton water supply system will be partially resumed today after a 9 month shutdown of the system. In September of 2004, delivery of Croton water through the New Croton Aqueduct was halted to allow for inspection and rehabilitation of the Aqueduct.

It is possible that in certain areas of the Bronx, residents may experience minimal discoloration of their tap water. This is a temporary condition due to changes in flow direction in parts of the distribution area. This condition is not a public health hazard and poses no threat to users.

Although work on the Aqueduct is not complete, and will require a second shutdown starting in September 2005, the City recognizes that during the summer season there is a greater need for recreational use of City water, and the Croton water supply system will supplement the Catskill and Delaware water supply systems. Up to 80 million gallons a day flowing through the Aqueduct from the Croton system will be distributed.

The Croton water supply system is the oldest of the City’s three systems. It normally supplies up to 10 percent of the City’s daily water, and in times of drought can provide 30 percent if necessary.