Newark Valley Water System
February 4th, 2008Residents of Newark Valley Water System,
I am writing to each of you to share a concern that your Water Rate Committee and Village Board have been discussing for the last three years.
Our water system was installed in 1904 and has remained primarily unchanged since. The system consists of two wells, approximately nine miles of distribution piping and a 400,000-gallon reservoir. The reservoir was covered in the 1960’s.
Four years ago, we initiated a capital charge for water, as it was apparent that the aging system was in dire need of replacement and improvement. At that same time, I created a 5-member committee made up of village residents and with the help of an engineering firm, asked them to devise an infrastructure plan of water distribution for the coming decades. This committee has thoroughly examined our aging system and developed solutions for fire flow safety, water retrieval, water storage and piping while working closely with Hunt Engineering and in November, presented their findings to the village board.
Some water upgrades have been completed, within our present budget, but we need major renovation. Our reservoir is over 100 years old, with an average life span being 40 - 60 years and suffers from cracks, possible leaks and other structural deficiencies. The reservoir cover needs immediate attention and is our leading concern in the system. While these issues are of utmost importance, we also need to address the undersized mains on most of our streets, fire flow upgrades and aged, clogged piping, at the same time.
The dollars collected through capital charge have been held in reserve until we were able to determine where best to utilize them. While the amount retained is substantial, we are proposing a 4 million dollar expenditure so our water system is ready for those who follow us. This will be paid over a 39-year period through a bonding process. This proposal is for improvement of our existing water system, not to be confused with a sewer system. There are no plans to create a sewer system.
We maintain our homes and automobiles for safety and longevity, and the time has come for us to do the same by investing in our water system. We wish to have every member of the community educated about our system, its deficiencies and the opportunities for improvement. In April, we will have 3 Public Information Meetings at the Municipal Building concerning this: on the 15th, 22nd, and 29th; all at 6:30 PM.
Your mayor, trustees, the water rate committee and Hunt Engineering will listen to your concerns and answer your questions. Our presentations will discuss the capital expenditure, the bonding process, the public referendum and the eventual construction timetable. Please plan on attending, as you will have a vote on this in the near future!
An informed choice makes a wise choice!
Best Regards,
Jim Tornatore
Mayor, Newark Valley Village
villageofnewarkvalley.com
Best Regards