ARKVILLE — For decades, the Catskill region has been a vital source of drinking water for millions of New Yorkers. Yet, while the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the most well-known name associated with the city's water supply, it's crucial to distinguish it from the Catskill Watershed Corporation (CWC), an entirely separate organization with a distinct mission. CWC is a local, charitable organization created by upstate communities to help local residents and businesses thrive while protecting water quality.
Not the NYC DEP: A Clear Distinction
The most important thing to understand is that the CWC is not the DEP. While DEP is a municipal agency of the City of New York responsible for the water supply system, CWC is a non-profit Local Development Corporation. The CWC was born out of the 1997 New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), a landmark accord between city, state, and local governments, as well as environmental groups. It was created by the Watershed towns with the primary purpose to represent the interests of the local communities and administer programs that balance the dual goals of economic prosperity and environmental protection in the Catskill-Delaware Watershed.
The CWC's governance further highlights its local roots. Of its 15-member Board of Directors, 12 are locally elected officials, elected by the local watershed towns themselves. Two of the remaining three positions are appointed by the Governor, including a representative of environmental advocacy organizations, and a final representative appointed by the Mayor of City of New York. This structure ensures that local voices and concerns are at the forefront of the CWC's decision-making process.
Voluntary Programs, Significant Funding
The CWC's programs are all voluntary, meaning residents, businesses, and municipalities choose to participate. Each year, the organization provides millions of dollars in assistance to the local communities. This funding is critical for helping people comply with watershed protection regulations without bearing the full financial burden.
A key example of this is the Septic Repair and Replacement Program.
This program provides financial assistance to Watershed property owners to repair or replace failing septic systems, a costly but necessary measure to protect water quality. A common misconception about the CWC Septic Program is that CWC is the regulator of septic systems. This is not the case. CWC does not design, approve, or regulate septic systems within the Watershed. Instead, CWC offers grants to property owners who wish to voluntarily step forward with septic issues and who request assistance complying with more stringent Watershed Regulations. Additionally, CWC educates property owners on the responsibilities associated with owning, maintaining, and repairing septic systems. Homeowners have the responsibility and flexibility to choose their own qualified engineers and contractors for any necessary work. All applications submitted to CWC are strictly voluntary. Since 1997, CWC has assisted over 7,000 property owners with costs associated with repairing or replacing their septics.
DEP also regulates stormwater controls in construction and land clearing projects in the Watershed. Like the Septic program, CWC does not design, approve, or regulate stormwater practices. CWC administers three distinct Stormwater grant funding programs intended to support property owners in meeting those stormwater requirements specific to the NYC Watershed. CWC has allocated millions of dollars in grants to property owners for the development, implementation, and maintenance of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and Individual Residential Stormwater Plans (IRSPs) required and approved by DEP. Property owners who have questions about or believe they may qualify for stormwater funding based on DEP requirements are encouraged to contact CWC staff to discuss their projects.
CWC has also overseen the creation and construction of 14 Community Wastewater systems, ranging from Septic Maintenance Districts to Community Septics, to full blown Wastewater Treatment Plants. These facilities have been funded through grants provided by CWC to over a dozen communities throughout the Watershed. To date, almost 1,000 residents have been able to utilize these community systems and do away with their existing substandard septics. Most recently, CWC has completed projects in Shandaken, Denning, Neversink, Middletown, and Conesville. A final project is nearing design approval for a Wastewater Treatment Plant in the hamlet of Shokan in Ulster County. This project, when completed will be the largest wastewater treatment plant in the Watershed, assisting roughly 500 property owners.
Economic Development is a key element of CWC’s mission. CWC offers low-interest loans through the Catskill Fund for the Future, which helps local businesses start, relocate, and expand, supporting the regional economy. Those familiar with CWC’s economic development efforts will note that you can’t travel many miles throughout the Watershed without passing a business assisted through CWC’s loan program. More than 400 local businesses have received low interest loans, totaling more than $100 million throughout the 5 county Watershed region. Loan types have ranged all sectors of business, including but not limited to retail, accommodations, restaurants, distilleries, and manufacturing. CWC also supports nonprofits and municipalities with loan options.
Other programs managed by CWC include:
Septic Maintenance: Funding for routine maintenance of septic systems, including pump outs and installation of risers.
Flood Hazard Mitigation: Funding for projects that address flood dangers to people and property. Some eligible projects may include anchoring of fuel tanks or property elevations. Municipalities are also encouraged to apply for eligible public infrastructure protection projects, streambank stabilization, as well as bridge and culvert upsizing,
Public Education: Grants to schools and institutions to educate others on the importance of the Watershed and NYC Water Supply, the history of the MOA, and the sacrifices of the local communities.
Workforce Development: A new program will soon be launched to provide funding to eligible entities for the purpose of training and developing the local workforce within Watershed communities. Our communities have experienced ongoing population decline and challenges in recruiting qualified workers. CWC is committed to addressing these issues by leading the implementation of this initiative, with the aim of reversing current trends and supporting long-term economic sustainability.
A Focus on Local People and Businesses
The CWC's existence is a testament to the commitment of the local communities to be partners in watershed protection, not just subjects of it. Programs are designed to assist the thousands of residents, businesses, and nonprofits that call the Catskill region home. By providing financial aid, technical assistance, and educational resources, the CWC empowers the people of the Catskills to be good stewards of the land and water, ensuring the long-term health of both their communities and the New York City water supply. All CWC programs provide the dual benefits of community sustainability and the protection of the water supply.
As the challenges of environmental management and economic growth continue to evolve, CWC stands as a beacon of community-driven action in the Watershed. Its programs are more than just initiatives—they are lifelines that support businesses, empower residents, and preserve vital natural resources. By fostering collaboration and investing in the unique needs of local people, CWC ensures that the Watershed is not only protected, but also poised to thrive. This ongoing partnership between community and stewardship secures a vibrant legacy for future generations, where clean water and flourishing communities go hand in hand.
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