Hoosick Falls taps into clean water source
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HOOSICK FALLS, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- There was big news announced from the Village of Hoosick Falls. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) joined the Hoosick Falls community and other state leaders on Monday night to celebrate a clean water milestone for the village.
Mayor Robert Allen said, “Tonight marks a major achievement for the Village of Hoosick Falls, the permanent switch to our community's new water source.”
After a quick introduction to some new legislation regarding the new water source being activated the mayor asked, “The board have any further discussion? Alright, the resolution was duly adopted. Thank you. And congratulations.”
Village officials gave a resounding yes to clean water using the new system and wells. And with the turn of a “special” wrench the mayor announced, “Officially making the switch. They made sure that the wrench was golden.”
After nearly a decade of trying to clean up the water supply tainted by PFOS and other forever chemicals, mayor Allen released an update on the water supply to the village’s Facebook account before the meeting stating, “These new wells have consistently tested non-detect for PFOA and PFOS. However, extremely low levels of two PFOA compounds have been detected.” He confirms they are well below the allowable safe levels.
Villagers said they couldn’t be more pleased. Marion Stevens has lived in the village for decades saying, “We know we are safe, and we don't fear the water here like you did many years ago. And we always have bottled water because there are still people that may come into our house and still won't drink the water because they have that concern.”
Local businesses are also praising the new water source. Joyce Brewer is the Director of the Louis Miller Museum and said, “It feels good. You know, you can go in and offer somebody a cup of coffee or, you know, a nice glass of cold water. And they're not worried about it. A lot of people have heard about the water and so I can really say now, you know, we have the best water.”
On his final day in office, Mayor Allen left the meeting on a high note by saying, “Our village, our community is not defined by the calamity and tragedy that was thrust upon us, but the resilience, the relentless push forward and the hard work that was done hand in hand to make sure that our community recovers and prospers.”