New York City is embarking on a $2 billion project to address significant leaks in the Delaware Aqueduct, a crucial water supply system that serves approximately half of the city's population. The aqueduct, which spans 85 miles from the Catskill region to the city's northern suburbs, has been in operation since 1944, delivering 1.1 billion gallons of water daily to over 8 million residents.
The decision to temporarily shut down the Delaware Aqueduct has been years in the making, with officials implementing measures to bolster water capacity from other reservoirs within the city's expansive 19-reservoir system. While the shutdown is set to commence this week, residents can expect uninterrupted water flow from their faucets, albeit with potential changes in taste as alternative water sources are utilized more extensively.
The primary reason for the shutdown is the substantial leakage of up to 35 million gallons of water per day from a section deep beneath the Hudson River. To address this issue, a new 2.5-mile bypass tunnel has been constructed under the river over the past decade, which will be connected during the shutdown period lasting up to eight months.
During this time, more than 40 miles of the aqueduct will be out of service, necessitating a shift to other water sources such as the Catskill Aqueduct and the Croton Watershed reservoirs in the city's northern suburbs. While the reliance on these reservoirs may impact the water's taste due to varying mineral and algae content, officials assure residents that any changes in taste do not indicate water quality issues.
The city has strategically scheduled the repairs to coincide with lower water demand in the winter months and has undertaken extensive improvements to the aging water system to ensure continued supply reliability. With careful planning and preparation, officials are confident in their ability to maintain water service throughout the repair process.
