TOWN OF DELAWARE, NY — The Delaware town board convened on March 13 to update the community on the ongoing well replacement in Callicoon.

Seeking to address ongoing turbidity issues, the work is ongoing with major benchmarks having already been achieved with two wells—one primary and another serving as backup—functioning at or near the required capacity.

The target flow of 200 gpm (gallons per minute) is considered sufficient: One well is delivering 230 gpm while the other is currently supplying 160 gpm.

Amid ongoing efforts to make both wells fully operational, the town board will continue to monitor water quality and environmental impacts with the NYS Department of Health. The board will also coordinate with various entities—including the NYS Department of Transportation and local railroads—to ensure there is no disruption to the current water supply.

The committee also sought to address concerns about the impact the project could have on summer activities at the Delaware Youth Center, located at 8 Creamery Rd. in Callicoon.

With work ongoing on the premises, even at a safe distance from the main building, citizens had voiced concerns the project could prevent certain sports events and planned activities for local youths. But the committee told attendees that the work was a sufficient distance from the main building and playing fields, and that they don’t anticipate any interruption to the center’s scheduled programming.

Funded by a $2.4 million grant, the project, which is being done by Delaware Engineering, includes plans for subsequent water lines and the central treatment building, both submitted to the requisite state authorities for approval. Officials see the full scope of the project being completed by summer 2025, with bids currently extended to various independent contractors.