Fallsburg Issues Water Conservation Due to Shortages

WJFF - The Local Edition - Special Report

For the second consecutive week, the Town of Fallsburg has issued another water conservation notice for certain areas of South Fallsburg, effective until Monday, July 15, 2024.

According to Fallsburg officials, a review of the current water supply this morning revealed that the LaVista Drive water tanks are at minimum levels necessary to meet the expected demand this weekend.

The town is urging residents in the affected areas to "conserve as much water as possible to avoid running out again this Friday evening."

Officials explained they are working "to dig up and replace several water valves believed to be obstructing the transfer of water from the new tank at Old Falls Road."

Additionally, the town is repairing a major water main leak beneath a state-owned culvert crossing State Route 42.

"To ensure uninterrupted service during peak usage periods this weekend, we ask residents to check for water leaks and reduce consumption whenever possible," the town stated. "We also request residents limit water use for non-critical purposes, such as washing cars and watering lawns. If we fail to adequately refill the LaVista Drive water tanks by Friday morning, it could result in another noticeable decrease in water pressure for residents in the affected area," said Fallsburg officials.

Fallsburg’s population nearly triples during the summer months as seasonal residents return to the Catskills, along with seasonal businesses and camps.

Town water is pumped from wells into pressurized holding tanks before being distributed to residents. During periods of high usage and little rainfall, it becomes challenging to meet the demand, officials have said in the past.

Fallsburg has faced water shortage issues in recent years due to the population increase and the construction of large, dense housing units. These developments have also impacted the town’s sewer system.

Bart Rasnick, President of the Fallsburg Fire Department, expressed concerns over the water issues, noting that if a fire occurs during this period, the department will not rely on hydrants. Instead, they will call for water tankers and use rivers and lakes to supply water to the emergency scene.

“There’s not enough water in the tank for us to effectively put out a structure fire,” Rasnick said.

The town is also planning to upgrade the South Fallsburg Water Treatment Plant, which services homes in Woodbourne, Hurleyville, Old Falls, and South Fallsburg.

As Fallsburg continues to grow and more housing projects are developed, the demand for water in South Fallsburg has increased. The planned upgrade aims to meet these growing needs, especially during July and August, when the population peaks.