Two ultra-violet (UV) treatment systems for the county’s Water District One have been recognized as 2017 Medium-Sized Project of the Year by the New York Section of the American Water Works AssociationMay 16, 2017 - Two ultra-violet (UV) treatment systems for the county’s Water District One have been recognized as 2017 Medium-Sized Project of the Year by the New York Section of the American Water Works Association (NYSAWWA), Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced. Environmental Facilities Commissioner Thomas Lauro—along with GHD principle Robert Butterworth on behalf of the design team that included LynStaar and Arcadis—accepted the award at NYSAWWA’s annual meeting on April 26.

"The Project of the Year Award recognizes the efforts and expertise that went into developing a successful and efficient solution,” Astorino said. “Despite the complexity behind meeting environmental standards and enhancing water quality, we were able to complete work well ahead of schedule while saving taxpayers $92 million.”

The Water District One UV Project includes the construction of two prefabricated UV treatment systems adjacent to existing water lines in White Plains at a cost of approximately $12 million. The project design reduced long-term energy and maintenance costs for ratepayers by incorporating the UV facilities into the district without using pump stations. It will be completed and operational by June, well ahead of schedule with the first UV facility in operation since April, and saved approximately $92 million compared to the original project proposal.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations require Water District One to filter water with ultra-violet light to deactivate any cryptosporidium or giardia, microscopic organisms that in rare cases can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders when ingested.

Water District One serves about 300,000 customers in Mount Vernon, Scarsdale, White Plains and Yonkers.