What we need to know about our water in Wassaic.

The hamlet of Wassaic is located in the bottom of a narrow steep-sided valley at the junction of Wassaic Creek and Amenia Stream both of which collect water from a large area and funnel it through the village which is largely built on floodplain. Whenever a large enough rainfall occurs in the area, Wassaic is likely to be flooded. Since the village can't be re-located it is important to understand and attempt to remedy human activities which can increase the possibility and severity of future floods.

Water in the streams and groundwater, Wassaic's only source of clean water, are closely linked. A clear understanding of this relationship and the human effects on groundwater quality and quantity are essential for conserving this priceless natural resource.

For the past few years a new business, a composting operation, has been operating just up the road from our homes in the hamlet of Wassaic at the Allen Sand and Gravel and has recently expanded. The major concern from this business is how it will affect our water supply. In the letters documented below the CAC has been bringing this to the attention of the town board. We also need to bring this matter out before all residents of Wassaic so we can be sure that our drinking water supply is fully protected now and in the future. The present zoning very strictly defines what kind of land use can take place over the drinking water supply. We believe that there should be no change in this zoning and that high level of protection is necessary for our invaluable resource– water.