News

HORSEHEADS -- [WENY] A new filtration system worth millions is coming to the village of horseheads at no cost to taxpayers.

     The feds and New York state put up more than $4M for horseheads to install the new system.

     Tropical storm Lee compromised the main well in Horseheads.

     Village leaders say nothing is wrong with the watr, but this new system prepares the Village for a worst case scenario in the case of another natural disaster.

     Village leaders tell me Horseheads water is treated with chlorine and flouride which generlally takes care of any potential contaminants, and there was never any health threat.

     But, tests showed particles were getting through which have the potential to cause problems in a worse case scenario.

     The well, known as well 5, can pump almost 2M gallons a day -- more than enough to serve the entire village.

     The filter will treat the water for 12,500 people, and is expected to do its job for 50 years.

     $3.3M for this project came from the federal government and $1.1M came from New York state

     "At no time was it a hazard to the residents. We have a filteration system in it, but NY state suggested we put the filter in to make sure that quality water will always be there," said Mayor Don Zeigler.

     "Not only is this a tremendous grant, plus it's also free, so to speak, to the residents it's because of the way the system works," said Walter Herbst, Village Manager.

     The Village board hopes to break ground by Spring.

     It will take about a year to finish the project.