1/22/2009 NYCDEP Checking for leaks
Thursday, January 22, 2009
 
NYC DEP discusses aqueduct leaks

NEWBURGH – The New York City Department of Environmental Protection held a public information session Wednesday at Middle Hope Middle School in the Town of Newburgh regarding their plans to investigate leaks in the Rondout-West Branch Tunnel of the Delaware Aqueduct. 

Concept Rendering of NYCDEP Project

The investigation includes the use of a groundwater mapping system that uses low-voltage, low-amperage electrical current to energize the groundwater, completing a circuit between electrodes placed in wells, creating a magnetic field and offering the NYCDEP a glance at where these leaks are specifically located. A thin wire will run along the perimeter of the targeted area. The investigation should take six to nine months to prepare, with an additional six to eight weeks for data collection, and will begin this coming spring.

“You won’t have electrified water coming through your tap or anything like that. Everything is completely, 100 percent safe,” said the DEP’s Ben Lebeaux.

“The aqueduct is, I believe, 700 feet underground , and again, it’s a very low-level current… We really appreciate the help of the people of Newburgh in helping protect this very important water supply and helping us safeguard our city’s water infrastructure.”

The Delaware Aqueduct serves about 50 percent of New York City’s daily water needs, and is the primary water source for the residents and business of Newburgh and Marlboro.

About 38 of the necessary 50 local homeowners have given NYCDEP their permission to place the wire and allow surveyors to measure the magnetic field on their property thus far.
 
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