Legislator James Mazzarella inspects plans as he tours the work site.
The Suffolk County Water Authority installed approximately 1,480 feet of new ductile water main has been on Merrick Road, Park Avenue, Roberts Road West and Cypress Lane in Shirley. Completed on March 6, this new main was installed to eliminate dead ends in the system. It will also improve water distribution and pressure, as well as fire service.
“Dead ends can create challenges when flushing water mains in certain areas,” said SCWA Chairman Charles Lefkowitz. “With this project complete, residents will not only see improved water service, but they will also experience the benefits that come from easily-flushed water mains. This is an exciting project for us at the Suffolk County Water Authority and we are proud to see it come to fruition.”
The area in which the work was completed is residential. Park Avenue is a looping street, and it is very common to see water main dead ends underneath such roads. This can make the crucial maintenance practice of flushing water mains difficult. Water can grow stagnant in mains, picking up unwanted materials and sediment. Flushing helps to prevent this by keeping water moving and limiting stagnation, thus protecting the quality of water coming into residents’ homes.
Suffolk County Legislator James Mazzarella said, "This project will result in improved distribution of water, pressure and fire protection in the area. It will also help to resolve sediment buildup in the system. Thank you to the Suffolk County Water Authority for their continued efforts to improve the quality of our drinking water and the infrastructure that delivers that water."
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.