Hot Topics     Women's Health     Healthy Kids     Teen Health    

State Water Quality Improvement Project



Funding will help protect City of Newburgh’s water quality


The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the Open Space Institute (OSI), and the Orange County Water Authority (OCWA) announced the permanent protection of 83 acres of land to safeguard a critical water source for more than 29,000 residents in the City of Newburgh. Located just 100 feet from Browns Pond and within its watershed, protecting the property has long been a conservation goal for OCWA, Orange County, the City of Newburgh, and a coalition of land and water conservation organizations. 

“New York State’s record investments are ensuring long-term access to clean drinking water, and DEC is fortunate to work with partners like the Open Space Institute and Orange County Water Authority to achieve our goals,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “This project will help protect the water supply in the city of Newburgh, not only as a drinking water source, but also as a valuable environmental and economical resource for the region.” 

“Over five years of effort have gone into purchasing this land that will help protect the City of Newburgh's water supply,” OCWA Board of Directors Chairman Dominic Cordisco said. “On behalf of the OCWA, we thank those who helped make this happen, including our partners at the Open Space Institute, Orange County Land Trust, and the County Law Department.” 

“In fast-growing Orange County, this project will safeguard sources of clean drinking water for Newburgh, preventing new sources of pollution from being introduced into the watershed,” OSI President and CEO Erik Kulleseid said. “OSI is extremely proud to build on our decades-long commitment to protecting clean water by successfully facilitating a complicated project that is critical to this community's continued health and well-being.” 

“Following the discovery of PFAS in Washington Lake which rendered the City of Newburgh’s primary drinking water supply unusable, Governor Hochul has shown her commitment to environmental justice by providing funding for Catskill Aqueduct drinking water for our residents,” City of Newburgh Mayor Torrance Harvey said. 

“When the Catskill Aqueduct undergoes routine maintenance, the City of Newburgh uses its backup water supply reservoir at Brown’s Pond as its drinking water source. Now, with funding from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s Water Quality Improvement Program, Governor Hochul has reaffirmed her commitment to our City of Newburgh residents by protecting the Brown’s Pond watershed. The City of Newburgh is grateful to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Open Space Institute, and the Orange County Water Authority for their work to preserve the reservoir’s watershed and ensure a continued source of clean drinking water for the City.”

The property acquired by OCWA was identified as a top priority for protection due to its size, the potential for development to impact the water quality of the adjacent reservoir. In 2014, polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in Washington Lake, the City of Newburghs primary drinking water source. Since 2016, availability of Browns Pond in the Town of New Windsor and the Catskill Aqueduct have afforded the City with the flexibility to avoid using Washington Lake as the primary source of its drinking water. Much of the land within the watershed of Browns Pond was developed over the past 40 years for residential use. The remaining undeveloped area in the watershed is under high development pressure due to proximity to major commercial routes. Protecting the property will help mitigate storm water runoff and prevent potential contaminants from entering the drinking water sources. 

Now wholly protected from development, this latest land acquisition will continue to naturally filter rainwater as it flows into the reservoir. The parcel is comprised of a mix of meadows, mature woods, and wetlands with portions of a stream that flow to Browns Pond. It is also adjacent to 440 acres of reservoir land owned by the City of Newburgh. The City of Newburgh is considered a disadvantaged community with both significant population vulnerabilities and environmental burdens, making protecting this land critical to advancing New York State’s environmental justice efforts.

OSI provided project support including technical, legal, and other assistance. Their important role enabled OCWA’s acquisition of the property after it was listed for sale in 2023. There were several competing purchase offers on the table, but OSI was able to successfully secure an agreement to conserve the property for $1.2 million. OCWA plans to acquire additional property with remaining grant funds to further protect the City’s drinking water sources. The land purchase was made possible with approximately $900,000 in funding from a DEC Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) grant and the remaining matching funds provided by OCWA.

DEC’s WQIP program is funded through the Clean Water Infrastructure Act (CWIA) and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) for projects that improve water quality; safeguard aquatic habitat; promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency; and protect threatened drinking water sources. Like all open space conservation actions undertaken by DEC, acquisitions supported by WQIP help implement the goals identified in the New York State Open Space Plan and the state’s 30x30 Initiative to conserve 30 percent of New York’s lands and water by 2030.

The OCWA was created to address the long-term water needs of Orange County and supports the planning and implementation of county, municipal, and inter-municipal improvements focused on water supply, water resource protection, watershed planning and conservation. OCWA developed the land acquisition program to purchase land and/or conservation easements on properties that, if developed, could negatively impact the City of Newburgh’s reservoirs: Washington Lake and Browns Pond. 

The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered to protect more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. and Canada. OSI's land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats climate change while curbing its devastating effects.



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Nourish family connections with every bite

    Boost social, emotional and physical health with egg-inspired recipes

    Dine together, shine together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and make everyone feel more connected – all while sharing delicious, healthy and easy-to-prepare food. read more »
  • Lasers: A safer alternative to weight-loss drugs?

    Information to help you make the decision that is right for you

    Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity because of their quick results and use among celebrities and influencers. J.P. Morgan predicts that by 2030, 30 million Americans will use them. read more »
  • Recipe of the week November 4

    Find comfort in a one-pot pie

    That first day of chilly weather always feels the coldest before you’re accustomed to it, and an easy, warm, filling meal can help hit the spot. Better yet, this rendition of Shepherd’s Pie is made with just one pot so cleanup can be a snap. read more »
  • Aim for healthier hydration with a habit-building beverage

    Try this yummy and easy to make smoothie

    Begin building tiny, healthier practices into routines you already have to help make it easier to establish habits you can stick to. This concept is called “habit stacking,” and it can help you improve habits from morning to night. read more »
  • Please pumpkin lovers with a twist on a fall favorite

    A simple, easy to prepare dessert

    Apple, cherry and blueberry crumbles may get all the adoration, but when fall comes around, you may as well lean into the flavor of the season: pumpkin. This simple dessert satisfies the sweet tooth with some fiber to boot. read more »
  • Take the stress out of winter travel

    What you need to know

    While there’s plenty to appreciate about winter travel, including picturesque scenery and festive moments with loved ones, the season brings a unique set of challenges, too. However, you can take steps to manage potential stress as you prepare for a seasonal journey. read more »
  • Celebrate cozy season with a creamy, comforting meal

    Super soup that is easy to make

    A snug sweater, a crackling fire and a meal that warms you from the inside out are perfect ways to spend a cool autumn evening with the people you love. read more »
  • Simple, flavorful fall dessert

    A yummy recipe your family will love

    If your family’s taste buds have grown tired of apple-inspired fall desserts, simply look toward another quintessential autumn flavor: pumpkin. Quick and easy to prepare using a spice cake mix that provides all the flavor without the stress, this cake can be dressed to impress at a fall gathering or served after weeknight dinner. read more »
  • A go-to sweet potato side

    Treat yourself and your family to this simple dish

    Sweet potatoes seem to scream “fall,” especially this roasted version that pairs well with a wide variety of family favorites like fried chicken. It can be your go-to recipe when comfort cravings call for a savory (not sweet) side. read more »
  • Keep cold and flu season at bay

    4 top tips from experts

    It doesn’t take much for cold and flu symptoms to take over. Even a mild case of the sniffles can make navigating everyday life's demands difficult. It’s virtually impossible to avoid germs altogether, but you can ensure you’re ready to fight off an infection, whether a minor cold or a full-blown case of the flu. read more »