Croton Water Filtration Plant

Croton Water Filtration Plant
Name	Croton Water Filtration Plant
Location	The Bronx and Manhattan, New York City, United States
Opened	2015
Owner	New York City Department of Environmental Protection
Capacity	290 million US gallons per day
Area	17 acres (approx.)
Architect	Louis Berger Group (design consultant), Hazen and Sawyer
Construction	Skanska, Kiewit, JV contractors
Civil engineer	Parsons Corporation, AECOM (consultants)

Croton Water Filtration Plant is a major water treatment facility serving New York City that filters water from the Croton Watershed for delivery to Manhattan, the Bronx, and other boroughs. The plant provides biologically stable, disinfected drinking water that supports municipal supply systems and connects to the distribution infrastructure centered on the New Croton Aqueduct and the Jerome Park Reservoir. The project intersected with urban planning, civil engineering, environmental regulation, and public health policy in the early 21st century.

Overview

The plant is located near Van Cortlandt Park, adjacent to the Jerome Park Reservoir in The Bronx, with intake and connection facilities reaching toward Manhattan and the New Croton Aqueduct. It was developed under the oversight of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and involved partnerships with consulting firms such as Hazen and Sawyer, Parsons Corporation, AECOM, and contractors like Skanska and Kiewit. The facility was built to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act amendments, meet New York State Department of Health standards, and respond to directives from the Environmental Protection Agency. Planning and public hearings involved entities including the New York City Council, the Mayor of New York City's Office, and community boards in Bronx Community Board 7.

History and Planning

Initial proposals trace to earlier water infrastructure efforts such as the Croton Aqueduct projects of the 19th century, including the original works associated with John T. McIntyre and engineers like Alfred W. Craven and James E. Serrell. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, concerns from the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health about filtration requirements prompted the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to pursue a modern filtration plant. The project involved environmental review under the National Environmental Policy Act process and coordination with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and agencies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for regional planning. Public meetings included participation by elected officials including the Governor of New York, members of the United States Congress from New York, and local representatives on the New York City Council.

Design and Construction

Design teams drew on precedents from large-scale projects like the Catskill-Delaware Water Supply System upgrades, the Jamaica Water Supply improvements, and international models seen in work by firms engaged in projects for London, Singapore, and Tokyo. Architectural and civil design considered proximity to landmarks including Van Cortlandt Park and transportation corridors like the Major Deegan Expressway and the New York City Subway lines. Construction was executed by a joint venture with major contractors such as Skanska USA Civil, Kiewit Corporation, and specialty subcontractors. Engineering consultants included Hazen and Sawyer, Parsons Corporation, and Louis Berger Group. The site required complex excavation next to the Jerome Park Reservoir, utility relocations involving Con Edison services, and traffic coordination with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

Treatment Processes and Technology

Process selection incorporated multiple treatment barriers similar to those used in systems overseen by agencies such as the Water Research Foundation and practices applied in facilities managed by Denver Water and Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Key processes include coagulation and flocculation units, sedimentation basins, dual-media filtration, and disinfection with chlorine. The plant uses rapid gravity filters with anthracite and sand media, backwash recovery systems, ultraviolet disinfection and residual chlorination for distribution system protection, and corrosion control consistent with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance and New York State Department of Health regulations. Instrumentation and control systems utilize supervisory control and data acquisition platforms similar to installations by Siemens and Schneider Electric, with treatment optimization informed by researchers at institutions such as Columbia University, New York University, and the City College of New York.

Capacity and Operations

Commissioned to produce up to about 290 million US gallons per day, the plant supplements supply from the Catskill Aqueduct, the Delaware Aqueduct, and local reservoirs, linking into the metropolitan distribution grid that includes the Jerome Park Reservoir, the Croton Reservoir System, and downstream tunnels. Operational management falls to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Water Supply, with staffing, training, and emergency response integration coordinated with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and local utilities like Con Edison and National Grid USA. Performance metrics and compliance reporting align with standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency and the New York State Department of Health.

Environmental and Community Impact

Environmental reviews addressed impacts to green spaces such as Van Cortlandt Park, historic resources connected to the Old Croton Aqueduct, and wildlife habitat managed by the New York City Parks Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Community outreach engaged Bronx Community Board 7, neighborhood organizations, and stakeholders including Bronx Borough President offices and local elected representatives. Construction and operation generated economic activity involving contractors, unions like the Laborers' International Union of North America and the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, and workforce development programs coordinated with agencies such as the New York City Economic Development Corporation.

Safety, Maintenance, and Upgrades

Routine maintenance, capital renewal, and safety programs follow protocols influenced by standards from the American Water Works Association, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Upgrades and research collaborations involve academic partners including Columbia University's engineering school and federal programs at the National Science Foundation for water treatment innovation. Security and emergency preparedness coordinate with the New York Police Department, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and regional utilities to ensure resilience against events documented in reports by entities such as the United States Geological Survey and the National Hurricane Center.

Category:Water treatment facilities in New York City Category:Buildings and structures in the Bronx Category:Infrastructure completed in 2015