Lightning Strike Disables Wells In Hoosick Falls

by Bea Peterson
The powerful storm that swept through the Capital District last Wednesday, July 6, managed to inflict some heavy damage on Hoosick Falls. Unbeknownst to most residents, one of the Village wells took a direct hit from a lightning strike about 3:30 in the afternoon. The strike was so powerful it also knocked out the other two wells. “We have lightning rods, breakers and surge protection, but they weren’t enough,” said Mayor Matt Monahan. He was told it was too much energy for the equipment to handle. “During the repairs we will add another level or two of protection,” he said.
Monahan commended Water Plant Supervisor Jim Hurlburt for coming in during vacation time and working 22 hours straight. Monahan said that when they were able to get one well operating, Jim spent the night turning the well pump on and off because the automatic system was disabled.
All in all, Monahan said, things went well, and they didn’t have to issue an order to conserve water. “With the new system we had enough treated water in the holding tank and in the reservoirs so we could run off the reserve into Wednesday evening.” By that time they had the one well operating. The one pump continues to work, the second pump will be fixed by Friday. The well and pump that took the direct hit still needs parts.
The Mayor thinks all of the damage is covered by insurance.