The Hampton Bays Water District (HBWD) has recently completed improvements to its distribution system in the vicinity of the Shinnecock Canal. These improvements will help in increasing water pressure for customers east of the Shinnecock Canal during high demand periods, in particular, during the early morning hours when sprinkler systems typically run combined with every day household usage for early morning showers; both of which put high demands on the system.
The improvement involved installing an interconnection under Montauk Highway. The new pipe allows water from the higher-pressure region south of the highway to reach the water main located on the north side of the highway that crosses the Shinnecock Canal and supplies water to residents and businesses to the east of the canal. A hydrological model predicts that customers in this area will see a 25% improvement in available pressure during peak demand time. However, higher elevations may still experience periods of lower pressure.
This is the first significant improvement to the water delivery system in many years. Plans are being developed for a booster pump to further increase water pressure east of the Shinnecock Canal. The water district is also installing an iron filtration system to eliminate discolored water and will be undertaking needed repairs to one of the three water towers.
The Southampton Town Board serves as Commissioners of the Hampton Bays Water District. “Residents east of the canal should see some noticeable improvements in water pressure and we will continue to take steps to further improve pressure in this service area,” said Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman. Supervisor Schneiderman said that the Town Board is committed to improving water quality and service levels in the Hampton Bays Water District.