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Lake George, a picturesque town in upstate New York, is facing a dilemma when it comes to its water supply. The Village Board is considering enacting a moratorium on new commercial property water hookups in the town outside of the village in order to conduct a 10- to 12-week water study. This decision has been prompted by the growing needs of the area, particularly driven by upcoming development projects like Richard Schermerhorn’s plans to develop housing at the former site of Water Slide World.
The board is expected to vote on the resolution at its December meeting, with the moratorium proposed to last for six months. The village has hired C.T. Male Engineering to conduct a study of the water system to evaluate options to meet the increasing demands for water. Lake George Town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson emphasized the importance of ensuring that the village has enough water to accommodate potential large water usage projects proposed by developers.
While both the town and village operate water filtration plants, the town-operated facility in Diamond Point serves a smaller population with a well water system, whereas the village plant serves a significantly larger number of residents and businesses. The village’s water is sourced directly from Lake George and distributed throughout the system, supplying users across various areas in the town and village.
The decision to conduct the water study was influenced not only by the plans for the former Water Slide World site but also by recent developments such as the conversion of the old Ramada Inn into residences and multiple condo projects in the area. The village is concerned that the current filtration plant may not be able to accommodate the expected higher volume of water usage, leading to the collaboration between the town and village boards to finance the $43,000 study.
The primary goal of the study is to assess the capacity of the existing system, identify any potential limitations, and propose improvements to accommodate additional customers in planned development areas. Village Mayor Bob Blais expressed the desire to support growth in the town of Lake George while ensuring that the village can adequately service all customers and maintain a sufficient reserve for its residents.
The study is expected to take 12-14 weeks to complete, providing valuable insights into the water infrastructure needs of the community. By proactively addressing the challenges posed by increasing water demands, the town and village aim to ensure sustainable development and reliable water service for current and future residents and businesses.
In conclusion, the decision to conduct a comprehensive water study in Lake George reflects the proactive approach taken by local officials to address the town’s evolving needs. By investing in infrastructure improvements and planning for future growth, the community is laying the groundwork for a resilient and sustainable water system that can support the demands of a growing population and economy.
