In a year that shined a light on what it truly means to be essential, SUEZ invested over $87 million in infrastructure projects to improve its water and wastewater systems across New York in 2020.
“SUEZ truly kept its commitment to its customers,” said Nadine Leslie, CEO, SUEZ North America. “Whether we are providing safe, reliable drinking water services or ensuring that wastewater is being safely treated to return to the environment, our customers are at the forefront of what we do. Last year presented numerous challenges, yet our employees stood by that commitment, embraced new health and safety regulations and continued delivering for the communities we serve.”
Thirty nine projects were completed in 18 municipalities in 2020 to ensure water quality and reliability to the 525,000 residents and businesses SUEZ serves in Rockland, Westchester, Orange, Tioga and Putnam counties.
“Our investments will benefit our communities for generations to come,” said Chris Graziano, Vice President and General Manager of SUEZ Utility Operations in New York. “From New Rochelle to Owego, our customers in New York depend on us to provide water and wastewater services to their homes and businesses every day. That is why we continue to make long-term, essential investments that improve water quality and reliability.”
Delivering the Essentials of Life During a Pandemic:
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for the world and at the same time reminded people how essential water is to handwashing and good hygiene. With much of the state shut down, SUEZ crews embraced new health and safety standards designed to protect themselves and their customers as they continued their essential work.
“During this challenging time, SUEZ has been with our communities every step of the way,” Graziano said. “Our teams have worked tirelessly in the field, in the lab and in our treatment plants to ensure our customers have the clean water and reliable service they need to remain safe. It has been an honor to serve our communities and to know our infrastructure investments are helping to strengthen New York.”
Water Quality Improvements
Work was started on a multi-year upgrade at SUEZ’s Lake DeForest Treatment Plant to address water quality issues, including taste and odor which emerged in 2019 due to a significant algae bloom in the reservoir. Ozone and powdered activated carbon are the treatments that are planned. The plant treats water from Lake DeForest, a 6-billion gallon reservoir that serves approximately 100,000 customers in Rockland County.
System Improvements
Completed safety improvements at numerous facilities, including an upgrade of cameras and access systems, replacement of fencing, lighting improvements and the installation of catwalks.
Tank upgrades
The painting and upgrades to storage tanks in Spring Valley and Port Chester ensure that water is available when needed in the local area and extends the life of these critical assets.
SCADA Master Plan upgrade
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems at 20 sites in Rockland were upgraded to ensure continuous monitoring of water supply and quality and to provide further protections against cyber security threats.
Safety Enhancements
Improvements included upgrades to systems that monitor water quality and supply, increased cybersecurity measures and security enhancements to make water supplies and systems safer.
Many new projects – including main replacements, plant upgrades and water tank refurbishments – are already underway in 2021.These investments highlight the company’s commitment to improve lives and communities across New York, Graziano said. “These projects keep communities safe and they prepare New York for the future,” Graziano said. “These extensive upgrades to New York’s infrastructure and treatment facilities will have long-lasting impacts on the areas we serve.”
Investment Highlights:
Water Main Replacements
$28 million was invested in water mains that will safeguard and enhance reliable water service and ensure resiliency throughout SUEZ’s New York service territory. Approximately 82,000 feet of water main were replaced in 2020, including the first stage of a project to replace water mains on Main Street in New Rochelle, as part of the city’s historic downtown revi
