Chesterfield Water Notice

A recent notice from the Town of Chesterfield Water Department addresses a temporary water quality concern that some Chesterfield residents have experienced. While this issue is specific to Chesterfield’s water system (serving their town directly), we’re sharing this information with Ausable residents as a courtesy, especially for those who may have family, friends, or connections in Chesterfield, or who travel between the towns frequently.

Summary of the Chesterfield Water Notice – March 2026

The Chesterfield Water Department, working closely with the New York State Department of Health and the Essex County Deputy Superintendent of Public Works, has identified and addressed a chemistry/coagulant issue in their water supply.

• The water may appear unsightly (discolored or cloudy) due to higher concentrations of coagulants (chemicals used to treat and clarify water).
• Importantly, the water has been confirmed safe to use and drink. The issue stems from a positive change: the intake at Butternut Pond was recently extended to draw from deeper, cleaner raw water. This cleaner source requires less chemical treatment to remove particles, leading to a temporary imbalance in coagulant levels as the system adjusted.
• The problem was resolved as of March 3rd.
• To help clear any remaining discolored water from the lines, the water department began flushing hydrants starting March 4th. Due to winter weather conditions, some hydrants may be inaccessible, but flushing will continue methodically.

Additional notes from the notice:

• Some residents have reported staining on laundry or clothing. If you’re in Chesterfield or using that water source, it’s recommended to avoid laundering with the water until the system is fully flushed and stabilized.
• The water remains safe for everyday use (drinking, cooking, bathing, etc.).

Contact Information for Chesterfield Concerns

• Bruce Bourgeois via Facebook: Town of Chesterfield NY Town Clerk
• Dave Winter by phone: (518) 637-6753
• Town website: www.Chesterfieldny.gov
• Additional contact: (518) 802-7797

For Ausable residents, our own water systems (including AuSable Heights and related districts) are managed separately through the Town of AuSable departments. If you have any questions about your local water quality, please reach out to the Town of AuSable offices directly at (518) 834-9052 or check townofausableny.gov for the latest updates on water and sewer services.

We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful region with generally high-quality water sources, but occasional adjustments like this are part of maintaining safe, reliable systems—especially with infrastructure improvements underway.

If this notice raises any specific concerns for you or if you’d like more details on our local water status, feel free to comment below or contact town officials.

Stay safe and warm out there!

-Tim