Water main upgrades in Brooklyn. Image Credit: NYC DEP

Nearly seven miles of new water mains will be added to improve water distribution. On September 16, 2020, the New York City Departments of Environmental Protection and Design and Construction announced the new upgrades to the Gravesend and Sheepshead Bay areas. The $30 million project includes replacing nearly seven miles of century-old water mains, 108 fire hydrants, and installing 17 new fire hydrants. The project is scheduled to be completed by Fall 2021 and covers the areas along Avenue S, between Coney Island and Ocean Avenues, as well as portions of East 12^th St., Homecrest Avenue, East 13^th St. – East 19^th St., Avenue T, Avenue U, Avenue V, and Gravesend Neck Road.

The new water main pipes will be made out of concrete-lined ductile iron, which is more durable than the cast-iron mains that are being replaced. The new mains will improve water distribution in the area and give firefighters more access to the City’s water supply during emergencies.  Throughout the project, the Department of Design and Construction will work with local community boards, BIDs, local businesses, and other community stakeholders impacted by construction. Ian Thornell will be serving as the Community Construction Liaison.

Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz said of the project: “The replacement of these antiquated water mains will ensure the sustainability and reliability of our water delivery, and new fire hydrants will offer us better protection in the event of an emergency.”

A map of the project and photos of the work area can be seen here.

By: Lynsey Smith (Lynsey is the CityLaw intern and a New York Law School student, Class of 2022.)