The Town of Hudson is under Administrative Order from the EPA to bring their public water supply into compliance with the requirements of the Safe Drinking Water Act. To accomplish this, they had to either find a new source of water or build a treatment facility for their existing source.
After thoroughly exploring all available options, the Town of Hudson has decided to build a membrane filtration plant to treat water from their existing alluvial well field. A schedule for its completion has been approved by the EPA. New wells to replace the existing ones will be drilled in the same well field. Modern techniques and materials will be used to increase production to meet expected higher future demands. Hudson will also construct an additional 250,000 gallon storage tank to supplement their existing storage capacity.
Other deficiencies of Hudson’s water system were identified during the study and will also be corrected. Their existing well production is insufficient to meet the periods of peak demand. Also, the existing 200,000 gallon storage capacity is inadequate to satisfy fire and emergency flows.
The total project is estimated to cost $5 million to construct. To date, Hudson has been able to secure funding for 70% of the project and has received preliminary approval for the balance, pending final legislative approval. Over 87% of the project will be funded through grants to minimize the burden on Hudson’s water users. Loans and cash reserves will cover the remaining construction expenses. Water rates will still have to be more than doubled to meet the operating and maintenance expenses and debt retirement.
The project is to be completed and placed into service by August 30, 2010.