Caption (from left to right): Town of Huntington Supervisor Edmund J. Smyth and SCWA CEO Jeff Szabo tour construction site on Park Avenue.
The Suffolk County Water Authority replaced 3,800 feet of aging, undersized water main along Park Avenue in Huntington. The $1.7 million dollar project is aimed at improving water service reliability, pressure and fire protection in the area.
The outdated cast iron was replaced with new, more durable ductile iron piping that is substantially less prone to breaking. In addition, five new fire hydrants were installed along Park Avenue to replace outdated units and enhance fire protection capabilities.
The project was planned in 2021, but SCWA coordinated with Suffolk County to complete this project in conjunction with roadway improvements undertaken by the county. By aligning schedules, SCWA says that it reduced the overall project cost and is minimizing disruption to the residents.
By expanding the size of some water main from 6 inches to 16 inches, SCWA says the upgrade will significantly improve water distribution and ensure more consistent pressure for customers and first responders.
“Investing in modern infrastructure is essential to maintaining the high level of service our customers expect,” said Jeff Szabo, Chief Executive Officer of the Suffolk County Water Authority. “By replacing older cast iron mains with stronger, more reliable materials, we are reducing the likelihood of disruptive main breaks in a heavily trafficked area while also improving water pressure and fire protection for the Huntington community. We also appreciate the cooperation from Suffolk County as we coordinated projects.”
“Projects like this are vital to maintaining and improving the infrastructure our residents depend on every day,” said Edmund J. Smyth, Supervisor of the Town of Huntington. “We appreciate SCWA’s proactive approach to upgrading these systems, which will not only enhance water pressure and fire protection but also help minimize service disruptions for our community.”
The replacement of aging cast iron pipes is a key part of SCWA’s long-term strategy to strengthen system reliability. Older cast iron mains are more susceptible to breaks, particularly during colder months.
The new infrastructure will provide increased reliability, reducing the chances of service interruptions for customers along Park Avenue and the surrounding area.
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.