The Port Washington Water District (PWWD) Board of Commissioners, after recommendations from two reputable engineering firms and community outreach, will replace the existing Beacon Hill Water Tower on Longview Road. The water tower has reached the end of its useful life and a full tank replacement has been determined to be the best and most cost-effective option. The tank replacement project will safeguard the continued health, safety and sustainability of the district’s water supply and distribution system.
“Water tanks designed today are more resilient, easier to maintain and better equipped to optimize water pressure during times of peak demand and fire emergencies,” said David Brackett, chairman of the PWWD’s Board of Commissioners. “Replacing the tank now with one that meets today’s stringent safety and structural standards will guarantee this vital component of our water supply infrastructure is in sound condition for decades to come.”
The district and its engineers reviewed three options to fix the existing tank: ground storage and booster-pumping station, rehabilitation and full replacement. Meetings were held with local elected officials, environmental leaders and residents closest to the tank’s site. A broader public meeting was held at the library on March 15, giving the community an opportunity to ask questions.
“The board did not want to make a decision without first speaking with the community,” stated PWWD Commissioner Mindy Germain. “The construction of a new tank will cause some inconveniences for those who live closest to the site, but we will work hard to mitigate the impacts. It was our priority to ensure residents know what to expect during construction and to open up a line of communication should they have any questions or concerns.”
In the next month, surveys and soil samples will be taken to properly design the foundation. PWWD’s engineers estimate the designing of the replacement tank and obtaining permits from the Nassau County Department of Health will take about six months.
“As the tank replacement project progresses, we will continue to supply the community with information each step of the way,” said PWWD Commissioner Peter Meyer. “We understand dedicating a portion of our website and establishing a 24/7 point of contact during construction is important to our residents. Making sure they are informed and know what to expect during each stage of construction is a priority.”
The tank replacement project is expected to take approximately 16 months to complete, with on-site construction projected to last nine months. Provisions have been put in place by the district to ensure residents and businesses continue to receive an uninterrupted supply of water during the construction process. The project is expected to cost $5.1 million and is being paid for with funds secured by an $18.4 million bond the Town of North Hempstead approved in 2010 for various infrastructure upgrades.
Materials from the March 15 public meeting are available on the PWWD’s website at www.pwwd.org/projects_beacon.php. The website will be updated frequently on the status of the project. Residents can call the PWWD at 516-767-0171 or email info@pwwd.org with questions. The PWWD was established in 1913 and serves over 30,000 residents of North Hempstead, including Port and the villages of Port Washington North, Manorhaven, Baxter Estates, Flower Hill and Plandome Manor.
—Submitted by the Port Washington Water District
