The Suffolk County Water Authority this week put into operation the latest addition to its water infrastructure: a 900,000-gallon water storage tank in Amagansett that will help SCWA meet peak demand and improve water pressure for area residents and fire protection.
The tank, located at SCWA’s Cross Highway pump station, is 8,175 square feet with a diameter of 102 feet and yet extends less than ten-feet above ground—the partially-buried tank is far below the tree line and conforms with height restrictions for the property. Landscaping will also be added as an additional buffer.
“This tank will provide the much-needed additional capacity to help us meet peak demand for water use, which occurs during the early morning hours of the spring and summer lawn watering season,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo. “The extra capacity will also improve area water pressure, which is essential for local firefighters.”
From left, Suffolk County Water Authority Chief Engineer Tim Kilcommons, New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. and SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo activate a booster pump at the site of SCWA’s brand new 900,000-gallon water storage tank on Cross Highway in Amagansett.
"I thank the SCWA for their work and cooperation in establishing this now-operational water storage tank in Amagansett,” said New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr. “This essential project will help meet the water capacity needs of East End residents, and will better equip local fire services by ensuring adequate pressure in the case of an emergency."
The Cross Highway pump station was chosen for this project because it’s the only location where three local pressure zones converge, so the tank will benefit each of these pressure zones without the need for extensive piping between other SCWA sites to offer the same functionality.
The capital cost of the project is approximately $3.1 million.
Though it’s vitally important to make sure enough water is available to meet the needs of South Fork residents during peak demand, SCWA strongly encourages residents to adopt easy steps to reduce their water usage to help ensure demand for water in the future does not outpace supply. Residents should consider watering their lawns only on odd or even days; not setting automatic irrigation systems to operate during the peak hours of 3 a.m. to 7 a.m.; and utilizing water efficient household appliances and faucets.
New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele Jr., Suffolk County Water Authority Chief Engineer Tim Kilcommons and SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo in front of SCWA’s new water storage tank.
For a full listing of water conservation measures, go to ourwaterourlives.com. To learn about SCWA’s Water Wise programs, go to Schedule a Waterwise Checkup | Suffolk County Water Authority.
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.