Mayor Buckley: Protecting our drinking water is critically important
The City of Hornell is excited to announce its selection to collaborate with a technical assistance provider in the development and implementation of a Drinking Water Source Protection Program (DWSP2). The DWSP2 is spearheaded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and is a voluntary initiative aimed at assisting municipalities in safeguarding their drinking water sources.
Water Treatment Plant Operator Leonard Fucci provided further information about the program and what it means for our community, “A drinking water source protection plan includes a delineated area to be assessed and protected based on where the public water system draws drinking water supplies. It would empower us, as a municipality, to protect our public water sources and the surrounding environment.”
Mayor John Buckley expressed his support and excitement for the project, “Protecting our drinking water is critically important. This is a great opportunity for the City to partner with the State to establish a plan that ensures the safety and security of our drinking water sources with no impact on our budget.”
The opportunity arose through continued efforts of City Planner Heather Reynolds, who highlighted the City’s commitment to environmental sustainability. “The City of Hornell is looking forward to working with the NYS DEC in safeguarding our most important natural resource,” said Reynolds. “The technical assistance provided through the DWSP2 will provide the City with analysis of our drinking water sources, and planning for protecting those sources.”
Plan development is expected to take approximately 18 months, with ongoing guidance and assistance provided for implementation efforts. The City encourages residents to stay informed about the program’s progress and welcomes community input throughout the process.
