How Can I Protect the Water?

  • Enjoy the great outdoors!  Check out OtsegoOutdoors.org for links to local parks and hikes.

  • Learn About Source Water Protection

    • Read your Drinking Water Quality Report, available from your local village or town clerk.

  • Take Everyday Actions

    • Use and Dispose of Harmful Materials Properly (Hazardous Waste Collection Day)

    • Think Twice about Lawn and Garden Chemicals

    • Properly Maintain Your Septic System

    • Dispose of Your Medications Properly (not down the sink/toilet)

  • Volunteer in Your Community

    • Find or Start a Group

    • Join in a Beach, Stream, or Wetland Cleanup

    • Prepare a Presentation about Your Watershed for a School or Civic Organization 

    • Organize a Storm Drain Stenciling Project 

    • Put Up Signs along the border of your source water protection area to notify people that any pollution in that area can affect the quality of local drinking water. 

  • Participate in Source Water Protection at the Community Level

    • VOTE!  Ask candidates what their position is on protecting our local water and improving water infrastructure. Register at vote.gov if you’ve moved recently.

    • Attend Village & Town Board meetings.  Get involved and see how you can help move projects forward that make a difference to our creeks and lakes and the water in your tap.  Join an environmental conservation committee or request one be created if it doesn’t exist.

    • Run for office!  If you can’t find an official or a candidate that is willing to fight to protect our water, consider running yourself.  We need you!

    • Consider creating a conservation easement for your land through the Otsego Land Trust

    • Donate to OCCA, Otsego2000 or the Otsego Land Trust

Cherry Valley Town Board Info: https://cherryvalleyny.us/town/board/

Cherry Valley Village Board Info: https://cherryvalleyny.us/village/board/

Otsego County Election Day: November 7th 

On the Ballot: County Reps & County Clerk, Cherry Valley Town Supervisor, Town Clerk, Council Member (2) & Highway Super.

Next Cherry Valley Village election:  Spring 2024

On the Ballot: Village Mayor and 1 Trustee (of 2 total Trustees)

EPA Tips for Protecting Your Water