South Cairo Residents Face Water Quality Issues
Water Pipeline Extension Approved to Address Contamination
SOUTH CAIRO, N.Y. – It’s been over 30 years since a water pipeline was installed in Cairo to avoid volatile organic compounds near American Thermostat. However, the reach of those chemicals has been moving beyond the water line’s endpoint, affecting most of Scotch Rock Road and Country Estates Mobile Home Park.
"We’ve had one that was positive in the past, but now resting negative, and a new one that’s testing positive," said Debra Bogins, Town of Cairo Deputy Supervisor. "It seems to be changing."
To address the issue, the EPA has approved a new water line to connect these homes to the Village of Catskill’s water supply. The owner of Country Estates, whose private wells have filters installed, is working with Delaware Engineering to figure out how to run the new line under the current well house.
Catskill’s Water Quality Challenges
Catskill is also facing water quality issues, with 133 lead service lines throughout the supply, affecting over 2,000 connections. "We have to go to the curb box and dig it up to verify that the line coming from the street and into the house is either copper, lead, or plastic," explained Patrick McCulloch, Town of Catskill Supervisor.
The community is working to address the issue, with the next phase being the testing of the remaining lines. "I think the community is starting to come together and realize this was a potential problem, and I didn’t realize it was still happening up there," said Arlene Schmatz, a resident at Country Estates.
EPA Funding and Construction Schedule
According to the EPA, the waterline extension is eligible for funding under Superfund. ShaCrean Groden, Greene County Administrator, hopes that construction on the new water line will start in the spring of 2025.
Conclusion
Residents of South Cairo and Catskill are working together to address water quality issues. The extension of the waterline, funded by the EPA, is a significant step in ensuring safe drinking water for these communities. While more work lies ahead, the efforts of local leaders and residents are paying off, and progress is being made to address the long-standing issue.
FAQs
Q: What is the extent of the water quality issue in South Cairo?
A: The water pipeline, installed over 30 years ago, is no longer sufficient to prevent contamination, and the chemicals have spread beyond the endpoint, affecting most of Scotch Rock Road and Country Estates Mobile Home Park.
Q: What is being done to address the issue?
A: The EPA has approved a new water line to connect homes to the Village of Catskill’s water supply, funded by the EPA under Superfund.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: The Village of Catskill will apply to the EPA for funding for the construction portion, and once approved, the EPA will pay for the construction. The County will pay for the initial engineering costs to get the project started.
Q: How will the lead service lines be addressed?
A: The next phase will involve testing and replacing the remaining lead service lines, with the goal of moving to copper or plastic lines.
