WATER DEPARTMENT
Water Manager
Keith Hankle
khankle@poestenkillny.com
518-283-5100 ext 110
Please leave a message during off hours & emergencies.
Contact
Water District 1
Poestenkill has approximately 400 homes hooked up to the municipal water system. Although we have lived through some difficulties that come with establishing a new water system, they are substantially behind us now. Our recent Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2020 has been approved by the Rensselaer County and New York State Health Department organizations and we are proud to report that our water system did not violate a maximum contaminate level or any other water quality standard. This office continually tests the water seven days a week as required by New York State Law and this office is vigilant in handling this responsibility.
We now have full pressure through most of the water district. From time to time you will see hydrants opened, running water either into the road or the swale. This is normal in the operation of the water district. We are required to flush sections of the pipe to either bring it on line or maintain the quality of water in a certain section. Except for emergency purposes no hydrant should be open at night. Our water is a valuable commodity. If someone is taking water without permission or without going through a meter, they are costing every resident of the water district money. Residents are reminded that nothing may be attached to a hydrant and you may not park in front of one. Report suspicious water related activity to 911 or call Bill Sansone the Town Water Operator
Documents
2023 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2021 Annual Drinking Water Report
2020 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2019 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2018 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2017 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2016 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2015 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2014 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2013 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
2012 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
Water Service Connection Application
Water District 2
Public Hearing Announcement
The Town of Poestenkill Town Board thanks everyone who attended the public hearing on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Fire House to consider a proposed increase in the maximum estimated cost of Water District No. 2 by $670,418 to a revised total of $6,220,418 for the construction of the water distribution system. Residents offered many great comments. Complete details, including the updated cost estimates for a typical property and full boundary description, are on file and available for review at the Town Clerk’s office during regular business hours.
Here is the complete notice:
Notice of Public Hearing Water District 2
Public Notice: Adoption of Order for Water District No. 2
Subject to Permissive Referendum
A permissive referendum allows qualified electors (registered voters) in Water District 2 within the Town of Poestenkill to petition the Town Board to place the adoption of this Order on the ballot for a public vote. To initiate a referendum, a petition signed by a minimum of 25 qualified electors must be filed with the Town Clerk within 30 days after the adoption of the Order (by May 23, 2026). If a valid petition is submitted, a special election will be held for Town voters to decide the matter. Blank petitions are available at Town Hall.
The Town Board of the Town of Poestenkill, at its special meeting held on April 23, 2026, unanimously adopted an Order increasing the maximum amount authorized to be expended for the establishment of Water District No. 2. This Order, adopted pursuant to Section 209-h of the New York State Town Law, raises the maximum estimated cost of the water district improvements from $5,550,000 to $6,220,418. The boundaries of the district remain unchanged. The Order is subject to a permissive referendum.
Full text of the adopted Order (in pdf format).
Additional information, including the map, plan, report, and detailed cost estimates, is available for inspection during regular business hours in the office of the Town Clerk. Questions regarding this matter may be directed to the Town Clerk at (518) 283-6500 or via email at townclerk@poestenkillny.com.
Water District #2 Plans Now Available for Public Viewing
Detailed plans for Water District #2 (including maps, proposed layouts, and related documents) are available for in-person review at Poestenkill Town Hall.
Office Hours: (Call ahead to confirm, as hours vary by department)
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (limited services)
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to stop by during open hours to view the materials and provide feedback. For questions, contact the Town Clerk's Office at (518) 283-5100 or email via the town's contact form.
FAQs
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For only those people that live in the water district
Pools can be filled during hydrant flushing. But as stipulated in the Water District Law, there is a hydrant water sale fee of $20 per 1000 gallons. Service is only available to those in the water district, at that price.
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From: Robert L. Brunet, P.E.–Water Manager / 811 /Public Health Coordinator
Date: November 10 , 2021
As a result of recent testing of 15 Poestenkill resident wells for the presence of bacteria, particularly Coliform and E-Coli, it is apparent that most well owners do not regularly test their wells for bacteria, as recommended by the DEC and are therefore not aware of dangerous bacteria in their water. Of these 15 wells recently tested 11 (73%) tested as “This result indicates that the water WAS NOT of a SATISFACTORY SANITARY QUALITY when sampled”. In each case the tests were positive for Total Coliform, none for E-Coli. The potential causes are many, but likely from animal feces on the ground which seep into our wells as a result of the heavy prolonged rainy periods this year. I, myself, had a positive result when I tested my well. The fix to disinfect our wells is relatively simple and I helped each of our residents perform the process.
Keith Hammond, Town Supervisor, approved our plan to aid the residents who would like to test their wells. Basically:
1 – I will maintain the test kits in my office and provide them to residents as requested.
2 – I will help the resident fill out the paperwork and arrange for the resident to drop off the water sample in my office, generally between 8 to 9 am, and I will take the samples to the lab, thereby saving the resident the trip.
3 – Included with the test sample the resident will include the $40 testing fee check to the lab for payment.
4 – The test results will generally be made available to the resident in about a week.
5 – For those residents’ whose wells fail, I will provide the details on how to disinfect their well.
6 – If a second “follow-up” test is desired, then we can follow the same procedure.
This is the procedure which I and 11 others have used and it is efficient and works well. If this has appeal to you please contact me, Bob Brunet and it will be my pleasure to help. E-mail: rlbrunet@cisbec.net, Office: 518-283-5100 Ext. 110, Cell: 518-542-4960.
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In accordance with….