Catskill Aqueduct Repairs Begin this Week

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection will drain a portion of the Catskill Aqueduct into Hunter Brook starting Tuesday.

The water will be released into Hunter Brook near the intersection of Hunter Brook Road and White Hills Road. During the drainage there will be a controlled release of water into Hunter Brook at a rate of approximately 78 gallons per second.  If the valve malfunctions, an uncontrolled release of up to 351 gallons per second may occur for about half an hour. Hunter Brook has ample capacity to handle an uncontrolled release and contain the full flow of water, according to the NYC DEC.

The total volume of water to be released is 576,000 gallons and the release of water is expected to continue through Thursday. A construction team will visually inspect bridges and culverts immediately downstream for any obstructions. No valves will be operated during or after a storm event to ensure that the brook has enough capacity to receive the discharged water.

After the drainage, repairs will begin on that portion of the 105-year-old aqueduct. Residents with concerns about the water release or the construction can call a project manager for the site at 646-877-7594.