Water Rate Discussion

The Village of Pawling has experienced drinking water supply challenges since the mid-1980’s. In 2019 the village was finally successful in finding a new viable water supply, which after much hard work, received NYS Department of Environmental Conservation approval in 2021. This has been an expensive undertaking but with assistance of the State Revolving Fund through a grant and loans, the impact on user rates is to some extent mitigated

The hard work continues with now getting the Umscheid wells permanently online and completing the required back up water supply at lower Baxter. Along with these issues the existing water supply distribution system has very old galvanized piping that is prone to leaks/failure and needs to be replaced.

The Village’s water rate hasn’t been increased in many years and an increase of 2.9% was approved by the Village Board in the fall of 2019. This increase was intended to take effect in the March 15, 2020 quarterly billing, however due to the COVID-19 crisis the Village Board felt this would only create further strain on residents and businesses.

It is now time to implement the new water rates and at the same time initiate a thorough review of the Village’s water rate structure so that we are in a position to have the revenue to repay the loans, improve the distribution system and operate the water supply in full compliance with all NYS Department of Health Standards.

The Village Board started discussion on this water increase at our February 22nd meeting. This discussion will continue at our March 7th meeting. We then plan to move forward with the new rates taking effect in the June 15th billing.