The Production Department operates and maintains the Authority's two water treatment plants, 24 pumping stations and 34 water storage tanks. Last year, the Authority produced and delivered a record 25.5 billion gallons of water.

The Production Department continued to pursue technologically advanced methods to manage the system with increased efficiency and improved service.

The Van de Water Treatment Plant began its first year under the control of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA). This computer-based system constantly monitors all pumping stations and storage tanks through microwave communication and computer analysis. SCADA has become vitally important to the Authority's system efficiencies and has significantly improved operational control.

The Authority also continued its staged replacement of filter media at the Sturgeon Point Treatment Plant. Four new filters were installed and now six out of ten filters have been replaced.

Last year, the Authority again displayed its commitment to the environment by moving 6,400 cubic yards of filter plant residuals to a brownfields site in Chautauqua County. The Authority was granted a beneficial use determination by the Department of Environmental Conservation. Residuals will be used for topsoil blending and turf farming.

Production also installed emergency shut off valves in the chlorine storage tank rooms at the Authority's two treatment facilities. In the event a leak is detected, the valve will shut the tank off immediately and prevent harmful gases from escaping into the environment.

In response to the events of September 11, and the threats to our nation's water systems that followed, the Authority accelerated its security program. Improved measures were completed ahead of schedule at all facilities throughout the system. The Authority remains in a heightened state of alert and will continue to work diligently to protect our region's water supply.