Grant from Senator Murphy helps Beekman Tap Into a Clean Water System

BEEKMAN, NY - Clean water is a vital part of our lives, yet many of us take it for granted. Residents in the town of Beekman certainly do not. They have been trying to find a long-term solution to their decaying water system for many more than a decade. A $202,552 grant from Senator Terrence Murphy has laid the groundwork for a cleaner, more cost efficient water system.

"This is not Flint, Michigan. Supervisor Zulauf and the residents of Beekman are putting together a pro-active, fiscally responsible plan to upgrade the town's infrastructure," Senator Murphy said. "I am proud to be able to provide the funds that can jump start the construction of a new water system that will serve the people of Beekman for generations to come."

"Thank you, Senator Murphy, for offering to help the residents of Dover Ridge. The grant came at the right time. Storage tanks and pipes need to be replaced," said Town Supervisor Barbara Zulauf. "I'm sure that the residents are thrilled. The grant takes away a huge financial burden that would fall upon the community in order to make these necessary improvements."

In 1997 the Town of Beekman took over the operations of the abandoned Dove Ridge Water Company, Inc., a privately owned water company that serviced the northeastern part of town. Taking ownership of the water system, the town then created the Dover Ridge Estates Water System (DREWS). Much of the DREWS system needed significant repair.

Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority (DCWWA) evaluated the system in 2010. Numerous recommendations were made to help meet the clean water needs of the community, but improvement costs were prohibitive. One of the systems three wells was out of service and a second well exceeded the maximum contaminant level.

New suggested improvements include replacement of a 45-plus year-old leaking water storage tank and equally elderly hydro pneumatic pressure tank. Adding a generator to the system would allow for an uninterrupted supply of water during outages, such as Hurricane Sandy. Installing water meters for each house would aid in conserving water, which in turn would save costs to homeowners on future improvements. The meters would aid in the identification of water main leaks that presently go unnoticed, which wastes water, keeps demand high and keeps the Town from being more proactive in finding and repairing leaks before they occur.