SCWA Utility Person Frank McGann closes a water main valve to stop water flowing at a break
With a deep freeze continuing to grip Long Island, the Suffolk County Water Authority says its repair crews have been working around the clock to address 219 main water breaks this season. With active main breaks being monitored or repaired in Lindenhurst, West Islip, Bay Shore, Islip Terrace, Coram, Ridge and Sound Beach, technicians are braving sub-zero temperatures and ice to maintain reliable service to the 1.2 million customers of SCWA.
The frequency of breaks has intensified alongside the dropping temperatures. In January alone, SCWA has already completed 121 repairs, including a peak of 44 breaks handled during the second week of the month. This high volume of activity is a direct result of deep freezes, where the frost line penetrates deep into the ground, causing the soil to shift and putting immense thermal stress on older cast iron pipes.
"The work our crews are performing right now is truly heroic," said SCWA Chairman Charlie Lefkowitz. "Maintaining our distribution system in these harsh weather conditions isn't just part of the job; it’s a service to the community that requires incredible physical stamina and sacrifice. Our team has been in the trenches every single day this winter, often through the night, to ensure that when our customers turn on their taps, the water is there."
To mitigate the impact of extreme weather, SCWA continues its aggressive infrastructure renewal program, replacing approximately 20 miles of aging water main each year. SCWA utilizes new ductile iron pipe, a modern material far less prone to the brittle fractures common in older infrastructure during winter months. By targeting areas with a high reoccurrence of breaks, SCWA is working to modernize the system and improve long-term reliability.
"Our employees are out there in the most difficult conditions imaginable because they know the community depends on them," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo. "We made a commitment to provide high-quality water and exceptional service, and that commitment is most visible during these winter emergencies. I want to thank our dedicated staff for their continued perseverance and for everything they do to keep Suffolk County running through this deep freeze."
To address the increased rate of main breaks and service disruptions, the SCWA Customer Contact center will be opened for additional hours in the morning for the duration of the cold spell.
About SCWA:
The Suffolk County Water Authority is an independent public-benefit corporation operating under the authority of the Public Authorities Law of the State of New York. Serving approximately 1.2 million Suffolk County residents, the Authority operates without taxing power on a not-for-profit basis.