Suffolk Water Authority projects aim to improve water distribution in Southold

Two water main projects in Southold expected to “greatly” improve the water distribution capabilities within the town are underway, according to Suffolk County Water Authority and town officials.

The Suffolk County agency, which is based in Hauppauge, announced recently that a water main project on Main Road in the Southold hamlet is ongoing. The project is designed to improve water distribution in the downtown area by connecting two large water mains in that location. It will replace nearly 4,000 feet of water main pipes that agency officials described as “aging and undersized,” and install larger ductile iron water mains.

The new pipes are more durable and resistant to breaks and are expected to last more than 100 years, water authority officials said.

In addition, the agency announced it has just finished installing nearly 5,000 feet of 16-inch ductile iron water main on Wickham Avenue in Mattituck. The new installation is part of the water authority’s North Fork Water Supply Plan, designed to help move water more efficiently within the North Fork region.

Jeffrey Szabo, the water authority’s chief executive officer, said both projects will “greatly improve water pressure and fire protection” in those Southold Town areas.

“They are both part of our long-term plan to upgrade water infrastructure all throughout our service territory,” Szabo said in a statement.

In April, the agency announced that new water mains would be installed on Hummel Avenue in Southold that would replace old and undersized water mains to improve water pressure and bolster protection against fires in the surrounding area. 

In a statement, Southold Supervisor Scott Russell credited the agency for working together with the town on the water infrastructure projects.

“We appreciate the commitment the Suffolk County Water Authority has made to the Town of Southold through infrastructure investments such as these. We will continue to work closely with SCWA officials to make sure that Southold in the future continues to have a sufficient drinking water supply for all residents and businesses,” Russell said.