Department of Public Works

Please note that the State of New York maintains all state highways that run through the Village — including State Route 66, State Route 295, and State Route 203. All other streets referenced below are Village-owned roads maintained by the Chatham DPW.

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Village Roads, Streets & Sidewalks

The DPW maintains all Village-owned roads, ensuring they remain safe and in good repair for residents, businesses, and visitors. The department handles routine repairs, pothole patching, and general upkeep throughout the year.

During winter, DPW crews perform snow and ice removal operations — plowing and salting — to keep Village roads clear and safe. In warmer months, the DPW carries out street sweeping, debris removal, and roadway maintenance to maintain accessibility and enhance the appearance of the Village. The DPW also maintains street signage, performs upkeep on all Village-owned property, installs and removes all holiday decorations and flags, and coordinates temporary closures or detours when repairs or construction occur, striving to minimize disruption.

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Leaf Cleanup & Yard Debris Collection

Each fall, beginning sometime in mid-October and running through December (weather permitting), the DPW performs leaf collection along Village-owned roads. Bagged leaves will not be accepted during fall pick-up — only loose leaves raked to the curb. Sticks, stones, twigs, pet waste, or any non-leaf debris should not be placed in leaf piles, as they may damage collection equipment.

In the spring, typically in April, the DPW resumes yard debris collection. During spring collection, the Village allows biodegradable bags (for leaves only), and properly sized, bundled sticks or branches placed at the curb. Branches must be tied in bundles. For items over 2 inches in diameter, limit the length to 2 feet; for those under 2 inches, limit length to 4 feet.

This schedule and guidance help ensure safe, efficient operations and preserve the lifespan of our equipment.

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Water Supply & Distribution

The DPW operates and maintains the Village’s water system, ensuring the consistent delivery of clean, safe drinking water. Responsibilities include the upkeep of water mains, valves, hydrants, and meters throughout the Village.

The department conducts routine hydrant flushing to preserve water quality and replaces or upgrades water meters as needed to ensure accurate readings.

Regular water quality testing is performed in accordance with state and federal drinking water standards. Tests are conducted multiple times per month on various parameters—such as microbial contamination (e.g. coliform bacteria), chemical constituents, pH, turbidity, disinfectant residuals, and other regulated contaminants. The results are compared to required maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and other performance standards.

Each year, the Village publishes a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) detailing water testing results, regulatory compliance status, and an overall performance rating for the drinking water system. The current report, along with archived reports from previous years, is available for public review on this page.

Through this robust testing program, Chatham’s water supply is monitored constantly to ensure it meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements, and timely corrective actions are taken if any test results approach regulatory thresholds.

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Sewer & Stormwater Systems

The DPW oversees the Village’s sewer and stormwater systems, maintaining reliable service and environmental compliance. Staff perform inspection, maintenance, and repair of sewer mains, manholes, drains, and service laterals to prevent blockages, overflows, or backups.

The department ensures the safe and efficient operation of the sanitary sewer system within the Village and in certain designated service areas outside Village boundaries that are contracted for service.