Town Board Votes to Establish Scotts Corners Water District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erin Trostle, Town Clerk
Phone: 914-764-5549
Email: townclerk@townofpoundridge.gov
July 10, 2026 – Pound Ridge, NY
Town Board Votes to Establish Scotts Corners Water District
The Town Board voted unanimously at its July 7, 2026 meeting to accept the final order of State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, thus establishing the Scotts Corners Water District. This action marks a major milestone in the Town’s decades-long effort to address longstanding drinking water challenges in the business district and protect the community’s health, natural resources, and economic vitality.
The new water district provides a path toward a reliable public drinking water supply for 39 parcels along Westchester Avenue in Scotts Corners that are zoned for commercial use. The district’s creation follows years of engineering studies, environmental review, public meetings, a referendum of district property owners, and extensive review by the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation and the Office of the New York State Comptroller.
“This project is fundamentally about drinking water and public health,” said Town Supervisor Kevin Hansan. “Scotts Corners has faced water quality challenges for many years. After extensive study and review, the Town determined that connection to an existing public water supply is the most effective long-term solution for protecting residents, supporting local businesses, and preserving the vitality of our historic town center.”
Unlike most residential properties in Pound Ridge, where homes typically sit on two or more acres, the properties in Scotts Corners are small, with private wells and septic systems located in close proximity. Groundwater contamination by historic pollutants and emerging contaminants such as PFAS has created regulatory challenges for businesses, making continued reliance on individual wells unsustainable.
The planned infrastructure project will enable properties in the district to connect to an existing treated water storage tank located at the Pound Ridge Golf Club on High Ridge Road. The tank is owned and operated by Aquarion Water Company, which will supply water to the district under a forthcoming agreement with the Town, consistent with the Water Supply Agreement Term Sheet executed on March 4, 2026 and will be responsible for ensuring water quality.
The project is designed to serve existing needs. It is not intended to support future development, only to provide clean drinking water at current usage levels.
The project will not require new wastewater infrastructure. Following a public water/private septic model that has been used successfully in other northern Westchester communities such as Bedford and Lewisboro, the source of drinking water will change from wells to a treated public supply while existing septic systems continue to be utilized.
Town officials have acknowledged concerns raised about project costs and emphasize that the Town has pursued every available opportunity to obtain outside funding. Officials also note that postponing investment in critical infrastructure often leads to increased expenditure as construction, labor, engineering, and financing costs continue to rise over time.
To minimize the financial burden on property owners within the district, Town has secured a $7.6 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant, which will fund 70% of eligible construction costs. The award of this highly competitive grant reflects the documented public need for the project.
Property owners in the district will not be required to connect to the public water system. Those who choose to do so will not be charged a hookup fee by the Town and may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000 for other connection costs under New York State’s Private Well PFAS Testing and Mitigation Rebate Pilot Program.
Before construction can begin, the Town must finalize agreements necessary for the completion of engineering and permitting. This process will be discussed at public meetings of the Planning Board and the Town Board. Neighboring property owners will receive notifications about these meetings, and meeting dates and times will be announced on the town’s website calendar.
For more information, residents may contact the Town Clerk’s Office or visit townofpoundridge.gov/boardsandcommissions/scotts-corners-water-district.
