Chester Water Infrastructure Gets $130,000 Infusion
Tom Becker describes the path to the $130,000 grant--and his hope to work with it as Chester Town Board member.
By Frances Ruth Harris
Tom Becker recently recalled his efforts to make improvements to the Chester water district while he was on the town board, as the water department tried to increase production at the Walton Lake Estates main well by “deepening and fracking” it.
“We drilled the main well deeper and used a specialized head on the drill rods that use high pressure water to open fractures in the rock formations and allow more water to flow into the well,” he said. “We hoped we could reduce the high chlorides in the water by opening veins deeper in the well. We did increase the volume but did not decrease the sodium.”
Meanwhile, they began a search for a new water source on town property. Six new wells were drilled, though only one provided a sufficient yield, he said. He noted the many people and departments involved in the process.
“I worked with a hydrogeologist, the town engineer, Orange County Health Department, the Interstate Park Commission, several well drilling companies and the town's water department. The highway department cleared access to the sites and went through the approval process with the town board.”
Meanwhile, Becker said, he also contacted Senator James Skoufis, who worked with him to secure a $130,000 state grant for water infrastructure. Becker said he hopes to be elected to the Chester Town Board and continue work on the district water supply. He had retired after running the Village of Chester water department.
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