United Water Must Release Some Information on Desal Expenses, Court Rules

A court ruling Oct. 16 will require United Water to disclose details of more than half the $60 million it has spent on its desalination proposal for Rockland County.

The decision about documents covering about $38 million was released by State Administrative Law Judge Kevin J. Casutto, according to the Rockland Times.

“The company’s claims of potential competitive injury are general and speculative,” Casutto’s decision read.

Opponents have for years questioned the proposed desal plant in West Haverstraw and the costs United Water was incurring on the proposal.

Last week, the Rockland County Health Department issued a call for voluntary water conservation, on the heels of below-average rainfall in August and September.

PHOTO: DeForest Reservoir/courtesy United Water