DELMAR — Bethlehem Town Board members will present their finalized source water protection plan during Wednesday night’s meeting, outlining key priorities aimed at safeguarding drinking water drawn from the Vly Creek Reservoir and Selkirk wellfield.
The plan, completed in March after four years of development, was created in collaboration with community stakeholders and with technical assistance from the New York State Department of Health. Town officials say the plan identifies strategies to prevent contamination of surface and groundwater sources while addressing potential threats, including those posed by land use and runoff.
“Safe drinking water is our top priority,” said Supervisor David VanLuven. “We are working to ensure [our water sources] stay that way by banning biosolids from being spread on fields in Bethlehem and working with neighboring towns and Albany County on measures to protect our water sources outside of town.”
Bethlehem treats and distributes water from the Vly Creek Reservoir, located in New Scotland, and the Selkirk wellfield. Officials emphasized the need for regional cooperation, noting that land use in neighboring municipalities can impact local water quality. As part of the new plan, the town intends to promote agricultural best management practices and launch public outreach efforts to build awareness around source water protection.
“This plan gives us a clear pathway to protect our water sources moving forward,” said Paul Penman, Commissioner of Public Works. “The Department of Public Works is already moving forward on the action items this plan lays out.”
The Town Board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at Town Hall, 445 Delaware Ave. in Delmar. Residents can attend in person or watch a livestream. A PDF of the plan and a video of the presentation will be made available afterward on the town’s website.
