HYDE PARK – A water main break in Staatsburg on Wednesday has forced a portion of the hamlet’s water supply to be shut off while repairs are made. Dutchess County Legislator Ben Geller is calling for permanent solutions to the failing infrastructure.
Staatsburg water customers in the areas listed below have been advised by the water supplier to boil their water. “Bring tap water to a rolling boil, boil for one minute, and cool before using. Or use bottled water certified for sale by the New York State Department of Health. Boiled or bottled water should be used for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth, and preparing food until further notice,” according to the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority.
On June 1, several customers in the Staatsburg Water District were affected by a break in a water supply line. Geller called the break a “repeated failure of vital infrastructure.” According to lawmaker, the affected water main has broken six times since the new year resulting in the hamlet’s water supply being shut down.
In the late 1990s, the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, with approval from the legislature, took control of the failing system and replaced much of the infrastructure. Twenty-five years later, the system, according to Geller, is in need of repairs.
Wednesday’s water main break caused the water supply to be shut off for customers on the following:
- Old Post Rd., North of Elm St.
- Market St.
- Church St.
- Rail Road Ave.
- Lee St.
- West Elm St.
- Mills Cross Rd.
- Old Rt. 9
- Old Albany Post Rd.
- South Mill Rd.
- Cove Rd.
The water authority issued a statement on Wednesday to the affected area, saying “The Health Department has been notified. Once water service is restored you may notice some discoloration in your water. We suggest running an outside spigot or inside faucet to clear your pipes.”
In explaining the problem, the authority also said, “On June 1, 2022, the water system lost pressure due to a break in the mainline,” and noted potential health risks. “When water mains lose pressure, it increases the chance that untreated water and harmful microbes can enter your water. Harmful microbes in drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms and may pose a special health risk for infants, some elderly, and people with severely compromised immune systems. But these symptoms are not just caused by microbes in drinking water.”
Customers were advised to seek medical attention if they experienced any symptoms.
The service line is being repaired, according to the agency. Upon restoration of services, water sampling will be conducted to determine if bacteria or microbes are present.
It is likely that customers will need to boil water for the next four to five days until the required water sampling is completed. Customers will be informed when tests show that the boiling of water is no longer necessary, according to the authority.
Geller, speaking of the repeated failures, said “it’s time Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority, an independent organization separate from Dutchess County, look into long term solutions instead of band aids to better serve our community.”
