Suffolk County Water Authority contractors last week completed the replacement of more than 2,500 feet of old, undersized water main in Wheatley Heights, improving the neighborhood’s distribution network and ensuring proper fire protection for area residents.
"I was glad to see Suffolk County Water Authority take the initiative to prioritize this project,” said Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg. "Updating our aging infrastructure is sensible; it saves money and helps ensure safe, reliable service. I appreciate SCWA coordinating with my office to get this done.”
Undersized cast iron pipe on Barrington Drive and Willow Street was replaced with new twelve-inch diameter ductile iron pipe, which is more resistant to breaks and expected to last well over 100 years. SCWA contractors connected the new pipe to existing water main on Landscape Drive, Gloucester Drive, and Perry Lane.
"We are always looking at areas to make proactive improvements and upgrade our distribution network," said SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo. “It’s always better to solve problems before they have a chance to arise whenever possible.”
The Wheatley Heights improvements are all part of SCWA’s system-wide infrastructure improvement plan. SCWA is responsible for maintaining more than 6,000 miles of water main across its service territory.
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.
Photo Caption: (Left to right): SCWA Chief Executive Officer Jeffrey W. Szabo, Pipeline Inspector Anthony D’Angelo, and Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg review plans for the Wheatley Heights water main upgrades.