Creating or Extending a Water District Information

What Is a Water District?

A water district is a designated area within the Town where public water service is provided and maintained. These districts are typically created to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for residents and businesses.

Legal Authority for Water Districts in New York State

Water districts are a form of special improvement district authorized under Article 12-A of the New York State Town Law. The law outlines the procedures for initiating a district, including the preparation of a Map, Plan, and Report, public hearings, and approvals by the Town Board. In certain cases, approval from the New York State Comptroller may also be required, particularly when debt financing is involved

Why Create or Extend a Water District?

Public Health & Safety: To provide clean, potable water and improve fire protection.

Development Needs: To support residential or commercial growth.

Aging Infrastructure: To replace or supplement failing private wells or outdated systems.

Who Oversees Water Services?

The Clifton Park Water Authority (CPWA) is responsible for water service planning, infrastructure, and maintenance. They work with the Town and engineering firms to prepare necessary documentation for district changes.

Steps to Create or Extend a Water District

1. Residents identify a need for public water service and provide a petition for support to the Town.

2. The Town Board or CPWA may commission a Map, Plan, and Report (MPR) detailing:

- Proposed boundaries

- Estimated costs

- Funding sources

- Environmental impact

3. Town Board Review: The Town Board reviews the MPR and schedules a public hearing at a minimum and may first conduct an informal public information meeting for residents to review the draft MPR to see if support for moving forward still exists.

4. At a public hearing, residents can voice support or concerns.

5. Based on feedback and feasibility, the Board votes on the proposal.

6. If approved, the project proceeds with design, permitting, and construction.

How Is It Funded?

Infrastructure costs are typically shared among property owners within the district, based on an ad valorem assessment. This cost is levied annually as a special district charge and appears as a separate line item on the town’s annual property tax bill.

- Once operational, users pay for water usage and maintenance.

-Residents are responsible for extending their own private lateral services from the water main into their property.

Property Owner Involvement

- Provide initial petition for support of extending or creating a public Water District in an area currently not served by public water.

-Attend public hearings

- Review the Map, Plan, and Report

- Contact the CPWA or Town Board with questions