BEGW Systems preparing $10M upgrade
By ROB PRICE THE COURIER-ADVOCATE

BATH - Bath Electric, Gas and Water Systems, the publicly owned utility for the Village of Bath, is preparing upgrades to its water and electrical distribution system that utility officials say will better prepare the systems for the future services to the municipalit.

The projects, valued together at $10 million, will include increased capacity for the electrical system, which currently is stressed during peak demand periods,

according to Matthew Benesh, BEGWS director of municipal utilities.

Benesh last week also told Bath village board members the village's daily electric consumption will eventually exceed the system's capacity to deliver electricity.

"We're seeing more electrical usage from our customers, not only for winter heating loads, but also for summer air conditioning loads," Benesh told The Courier Thursday. "During these peak periods, we actually exceed our hydro-electric allowance from the New York State Power Authority."

Improvements to the water distribution system also will allow the local utility to provide reliable water service to BEGWS customers, in addition to increased fire protection in areas of the Village, Benesh said, noting the system currently depends on three ground water wells drilled between 1950 and 1980 and pipelines laid within the Village as early as the beginning part of the 20th century.

The upgrades include:

+ Development of a new well and water treatment facility on the south side of the Conhocton River

+ Installing two main lines measuring 18 inches and 12 inches in diameter and extending from two of the wells through the village

+ Constructing two new water storage tanks on sites where two older tanks, built respectively in 1955 and 1980, are located.

+ Upgrading water treatment facilities at the three current wells.

+ Installing a modern electronic reporting system to monitor operation of each well site and pump.

Village Attorney John Leyden last week said the municipality would likely issue bonds to finance the project and proposed retaining a financial consultant to guide the village through the financing process.

"We need some expertise in going out to sell these bonds, so the village gets the biggest bang for its buck," Leyden told the village board.

Board members agreed to issue a Request for Formal Proposals and assess the services of area consultants.