The Suffolk County Water Authority over the past two weeks has completed, or is close to completing, ten water main extensions in communities from Southampton to Montauk. The projects range from a 243-foot extension on Washington Drive in Montauk to a 3,216-foot project on Millstone Brook Road and nearby streets in Southampton.
In total, SCWA will add more than 8,000 feet of water main to its existing service territory. The main extension projects, from west to east:
- 3,216 feet on Millstone Brook Road, Barkers Island Road and Whites Lane in Southampton
- 328 feet on Tuckahoe Lane in Southampton
- 477 feet on Cedarberry Lane in North Sea
- 300 feet on Wood Edge Court in Southampton
- 654 feet on Schwenks Road in Water Mill
- 1,011 feet on Ruggs Path in Noyac
- 442 feet on Ericas Lane in Sagaponack
- 832 feet on South Pond Road in East Hampton
- 557 feet on Birch Drive in Montauk
- 243 feet on Washington Drive in Montauk
“We’re pleased to be able to bring safe and constantly tested water to our new customers on the South Fork,” said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeff Szabo.
In addition to being subject to rigorous tests from the New York State Department of Health and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, public water from SCWA comes with many advantages. With increased water pressure and the availability of nearby hydrants, public water brings improved fire protection and may lower homeowner’s insurance. With public water, customers are far more likely to maintain service during a weather emergency—while many Suffolk residents who use private wells were without water service for days when electricity service was out following SuperStorm Sandy, virtually all SCWA customers, with the exception of those on Fire Island, still had use of their water supply.
With public water, there is no need to maintain a well pump, which can cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair. Nor is there a need to purchase and maintain a water softener or filter, since SCWA water is tested around the clock, 365 days a year, and trace amounts of lime are added to the water supply to neutralize pH and prevent corrosion of pipes. Trace amounts of chlorine are also added to the SCWA supply to prevent the growth of bacteria such as e. coli in the water supply.
Anyone interested in inquiring about hooking up to public water should contact SCWA’s New Service department at (631) 218-1148.
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.