The Town of Lakes and what it means for water damage
Putnam Valley is a neighboring town in southwestern Putnam County, and its hazard plan describes it as the Town of Lakes. Water is part of nearly every property decision, from septic systems to lake levels. The Carmel plan lists Putnam Valley as a bordering community.
Around-the-clock emergency dispatch is available across the town, including the hamlet of Lake Peekskill, which has its own ZIP code, 10537, and the main Putnam Valley ZIP, 10579.
Oscawana Lake, silt and septic systems
The Putnam Valley hazard plan names silt flooding from Oscawana Lake as a problem that affects roads and homes, especially along Dunderberg Road and Coleman's Landing Road. It also says the Oscawana dam in Abley Park lacks level control, which floods properties and septic systems when the lake rises.
A flooded septic system is different from a flooded basement. The plan says septic systems in the town are regulated through the Putnam County Department of Health, and a lake or dam overflow can push water and effluent back toward homes. If sewage has backed up, see sewage backup cleanup.
Storms in the Putnam Valley record
| Event | Dates | Declaration |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Floyd | September 16 to 18, 1999 | Listed in the plan |
| Flooding event | April 14 to 18, 2007 | DR-1692 |
| Hurricane Irene | August 26 to September 5, 2011 | DR-4020 |
| Hurricane Sandy | 2012 | Listed in the plan |
From the Putnam Valley hazard mitigation plan.
Flood insurance and building rules in the town
As of July 31, 2014, the plan counted 77 National Flood Insurance Program policies in force in Putnam Valley, with 62 claims paid totaling $1.4 million since 1978. Five properties were repetitive-loss properties and two were severe repetitive-loss. Flood insurance maps were updated on March 4, 2013.
The town's Flood Damage Prevention law is in Chapter 136 and requires one- and two-family homes to be built two feet above the base flood elevation. The plan lists about two dozen roads as flood-prone. If your road is on that list, your basement or crawl space may share the problem. Ask the town building department how the rules apply to repairs.
A Putnam Valley water call
Call and describe
Tell us the address, the water source and the depth.
Stop and pump
The source is stopped and water is pumped out in stages.
Dry and rebuild
Structure and finishes are dried and repaired.
Relevant pages include basement water damage cleanup and crawl space water damage cleanup for lake-area homes.
If water is still spreading in Putnam Valley
Shut off the water
Close the main valve. If water is coming from the lake or yard, call first.
Cut power safely
Switch off breakers only from a dry panel.
Lift what matters
Move papers, electronics and keepsakes up.
Stay clear of septic water
Water that smells like sewage or came from a septic system should not be touched.
Call the 24/7 line
Tell us the address, the source and whether the lake level is still rising.
Water damage in Putnam Valley
Call the 24/7 line and tell us what happened.
Putnam Valley on the map
The map is centered on Putnam Valley in southwestern Putnam County. Our base is on Route 6 in Mahopac, east along US 6 and NY 6N.
Putnam Valley water damage questions
Yes, around the clock, every day of the year. Call and describe the situation.
We serve 10579 for the main town, including the Oscawana Lake and Dunderberg Road area, and 10537 for the Lake Peekskill hamlet.
The Putnam County Department of Health, according to the town's hazard plan. A licensed septic contractor should inspect a system after a backup.
Document it with photos, check your insurance and ask the town building department about the Flood Damage Prevention law. If water is in the house, call us.
Standard homeowners policies generally exclude flood. A separate flood policy is the usual route. Ask your agent.