By Michael Mell
On July 9 Mayor Gallagher imposed restrictions on outdoor water use in response to low water levels in village reservoirs. Until the restrictions are lifted, outdoor water use is only permitted between 7:00 pm and 7:00am. The intent is to limit outdoor watering to times when evaporation will be minimal. At the July 13 village board monthly meeting, water and sewer superintendent Greg Phillips explained the events that led up to the restriction.
The village is served by 3 reservoirs that typically spill-over into each other until July. Sufficient water then remains to cover August/September until fall rains begin. Mr. Phillips told the board that high temperatures in June caused an estimated 30 percent increase in water usage. This, combined with evaporation, caused the conditions that triggered the restriction. Phillips said current conditions are “not horrendous” but the village is taking steps to reduce water usage and prevent the necessity of having to purchase water from the Catskill water supply. Water purchase could cost the village $1100 per million gallons, to purchase raw water from the DEP (Catskill Supply). An entire month would cost between $10-13,000.00 dependng on consumption.$1,100 per month. Should current restrictions become insufficient, the next step would be a complete ban on outdoor water use. Phillips made clear, however, that he did not believe that such measures would be necessary.
Thanks for posting this clarification. The Village’s original announcement left us wondering.
Actually the cost is approximately $1100 per million gallons, to purchase raw water from the DEP (Catskill Supply). An entire month would cost between $10-13,000.00 dependng on consumption.
Thank you for the correction.