NEW WINDSOR – The conversion of water from the Butterhill wells in New Windsor to the Catskill Aqueduct has begun.
The less than year-old Butterhill wells were found to have low levels of PFOS and PFOA chemicals, which weren’t present when the wells were tested before going online.
Since May 2, the town has been working with the state and Orange County health departments to start its water filtration plant at Riley Road to prepare for the drawing and treatment of water from the aqueduct.
On Wednesday, the town said it has begun introducing treated water from the aqueduct into its distribution system. The full transition from the Butterhill wells will be gradual, official said, with temporary changeover anticipated to be complete by Monday, May 20.
As the waters are blended in the distribution system, and the source of supply causes a change in direction of flow in some locations, there may be changes in the disinfection rates and that may cause discoloration and odors. But they said “neither is an issue of concern in terms of safety and both issues are expected to resolve on their own within a few days.”
At the same time as the aqueduct is being placed on line in New Windsor, the town is talking with state agencies about treatment and filtration options in order to filter the low levels of PFOA and PFOS that were in the water from the Butterhill wells.
