Schumer pushing for water line repairs

WESTFIELD, NY (WIVB) - U.S. Senator Charles Schumer is urging U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to approve federal funds to repair aging and damaged waterlines in the Town of Westfield.

Schumer says the residents and businesses in the Hamlet of Barcelona have not had access to high-quality drinking water in recent months, and have been forced to boil water for consumption or to purchase bottled water.

The system has suffered water main breaks, causing pressure loss and inviting dangerous germs and harmful contaminants into the system.

The town is seeking $1 million in federal funding and loans to help make these repairs, which would otherwise be a serious burden on ratepayers and local taxpayers.

“Clean water is absolutely essential for economic prosperity and public health, and Barcelona’s system is far overdue for these important upgrades,” said Schumer.