Aug. 11, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
A project to install a new 20-inch diameter water main on 108th Street from 66th Avenue to 67th Drive in Forest Hills will disrupt water service beginning Monday, Aug. 14 through Friday, Aug. 18, according to the city Department of Design & Construction (DDC).
The DDC is managing the project for the city Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In order to install the underground water main, there will be a temporary water shutdown on 108th Street from 66th Road to 68th Road.
The shutdowns are scheduled for Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., but it’s possible that the agency won’t need all five days to complete the work. One building, located at 68-10 108th St., should be affected by next week’s shutdowns.
When that is complete, the DDC will then need to shut down water service temporarily on 108th Street between 66th Road and 64th Avenue. In order to accommodate the local businesses, that will be done over the course of one or two Saturdays after next week’s work is completed.
On Saturday, Aug. 12, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., the DDC will temporarily shut water service on 67th Road between 110th Street and 112th Street for additional water main replacement. This work is being done to accommodate Forest Hills High School.
The DDC is recommending residents to store water for cooking, cleaning and other needs. Residents must shut off the water main valve in their house or building to prevent plumbing problems, including brown water from sediments. Water cooling systems such as central air and heating must be turned off as well.
The DDC’s Community Construction Liaison, Erich De Suza, will be working full-time at the site and will keep the community apprised of construction progress. De Suza coordinates temporary water shutdowns and can also manage special requests by residents in the project area.
Residents with questions or concerns regarding the project (QED1054) can contact De Suza at 929-556-3138, or email Qed1054ccl@gmail.com. Office hours are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.