The city of Rochester [1] has opted for a new form of water treatment involving UV light. Under the current plan, the Highland and Cobbs Hill reservoirs will be outfitted with ultraviolet reactors, which will help to disinfect the water. The changes are being implemented in order to meet new federal standards for water treatment and storage.

Highland Park Reservoir According to Bob Morrison, director of the Rochester Water Bureau [2], this method of water treatment was chosen for its cost efficiency and effectiveness. Four reactors will be installed at $32,000 apiece. They will cost $125,000 to operate and are expected to last for about twenty years. The plan is the product of two years of careful study and is pending approval by the NY Departments of Health [3] and Environmental Conservation [4].

In related news, the Highland reservoir was emptied this month to determine the source of a major leak. According to officials, 50,000 gallons of water were being lost each day. Work will now be done to pinpoint the rupture and repair it.

It's a busy time for Rochester's water supply.