May 8, 2023

Project completed one year ahead of schedule and more than 44 percent under budget; New water mains replace pipes that served the community for 100 years

The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) today announced the completion of a $2.25 million capital project that replaced more than a mile of old water mains in Maspeth, Queens, and was completed more than a year ahead of schedule and more than 44 percent under its original $4.06 million anticipated cost.

“Our administration is working every day to upgrade aging water infrastructure across the city, and delivering this project under budget and ahead of schedule is exactly how we ‘Get Stuff Done,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “New York City is adapting to the realities of climate change in real time and improving quality of life for New Yorkers in every corner of the city. Thank you to the DDC and DEP teams for making the most of our taxpayer dollars and getting this done for the community.”

“Getting high-quality water to every tap across the five boroughs requires regular investments in our infrastructure and by replacing the water mains that had served this neighborhood for a century, we significantly reduce the risk of leaks and breaks,” said DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala. “Thank you to the DDC team that brought this project in under budget and ahead of schedule, which reduces any disruption to the residents and businesses in the area.”

“This water main upgrade was accomplished quickly and efficiently thanks to the in-house DDC team which managed it,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction Commissioner Thomas Foley. “That means money saved for taxpayers and less disruption for the community while we improve local water service —a win for everyone involved. Congratulations to the DDC project team.”

“As climate change continues to bear down on our borough, replacing our aging infrastructure to alleviate flooding and building more resilient water systems could not be more critical,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “Thank you to DEP and DDC for their quick and efficient work to improve the quality of life for Maspeth residents, while making Queens a more sustainable place to call home.”

“The completion of the water mains project in Maspeth by the DEP and DDC, a year ahead of schedule and under budget, is remarkable. Investing in local infrastructure is crucial for the community&rsqou;s well-being, and I applaud to city’s efforts in completing the project swiftly, without a major inconvenience to residents,” said Council Member Robert Holden.

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris said, “So many Americans have learned hard lessons about the critical importance of water infrastructure. I am glad this urgently needed water pipe improvement in Maspeth was done to ensure Queens neighbors have high quality, safe drinking water.”

“These new water mains will help enhance quality of life in Maspeth and I thank DEP and DDC for working to complete this important project, and doing so ahead of schedule and under budget,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “As I’ve said many times, we must make the investments we need to upgrade our aging infrastructure in Queens and across New York City, and this includes our crucial water infrastructure that ensures safe drinking water for local residents and future generations. I look forward to these improvements benefiting the area for many years to come.”

In order to improve water supply reliability, 5,960 feet of older water mains, many of which had been in service for 100 years, were replaced with new concrete-lined ductile iron pipes that are less vulnerable to leaks. The new mains range from 6 to 12 inches in diameter and in some areas replace smaller mains. Additionally, 19 old fire hydrants were replaced with new ones and 1,380 square feet of broken sidewalks were replaced throughout the project area.

The project, which was managed by DDC’s in-house construction management team, began work in July 2022 and was originally projected to take until June 2024 to complete. Instead it was completed this month. The team only used about 56 percent of the original budget.

About the NYC Department of Environmental Protection

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.8 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

About the NYC Department of Design and Construction

The Department of Design and Construction is the City’s primary capital construction project manager. In supporting Mayor Adams’ long-term vision of growth, sustainability, resiliency, equity and healthy living, DDC provides communities with new or renovated public buildings such as firehouses, libraries, police precincts, and new or upgraded roads, sewers and water mains in all five boroughs. To manage this $15.5 billion portfolio, DDC partners with other City agencies, architects and consultants, whose experience bring efficient, innovative and environmentally conscious design and construction strategies to City projects. For more information, please visit nyc.gov/DDC.