Hillside Commons Water Supply

By: Dan Hartner

Hillside Commons Entrance

(Oneonta - NY) - Water quality is an important pressing issue in the United States today. With places like Flint, Michigan who are facing heavy government un-satisfaction and constituent health issues, now more than ever people are dissecting their water for what is truly in it. 

Oneonta, New York is no different. As a small town in upstate New York it is home to a beautiful Catskill region surrounded by natural lakes and reservoirs. However, with Oneonta being one of the main cities of the region, it is a quietly populated place with a lot of traffic. Aside from the town members there are two colleges; Hartwick College and The State University of New York. Located just off of SUNY Oneonta’s campus is an apartment complex, Hillside Commons, which is home to many students.

West Oneonta

At Hillside, water lines with the city are shared however residents express their dissatisfaction with its quality. Common complaints consist of but are not limited too; metallic taste, chlorine taste, red residue on bathroom surfaces and more.

One resident, Patrick Flood, who has lived at the establishment for 2 years, is still unhappy with the water.

“I just cleaned my shower a few days ago and there is already red spots. That’s supposed to be from iron I guess. It’s kind of annoying,” said Flood.

And residents don’t only use the water for cleaning. Other residents enjoy drinking water from the tap to reduce the usage of plastic water bottles for the environment but complain about the taste.

“A lot of times I feel like I’m drinking pool water but what are you going to do. Can’t be afraid of it, said current resident Ryan Adsit.”

Upon further research, Oneonta’s water supply is consistent with the rest of New York with there mineral levels. In fact, it boasts one of the only water lines to not have a trace of lead in its system. With statistics like these, it appears students may just have to settle for the taste in order to protect their health.