Low Water Pressure in Village May Prove Costly Problem

Water pressure in the village of Southampton hit an all-time low last year, according to village officials, and resolving the issue may prove costly.

Village Trustee Paul Robinson said Thursday during a meeting of the village board that there may not be enough water pressure on Hampton Road for the fire suppression system at the new that is under construction. The fire suppression system includes automatic sprinklers — in case the firehouse itself catches fire.

Robinson said in an e-mail Friday that the Suffolk County Water Authority has recommended the village install a pump at the substation, at an estimated cost of $200,000, to maintain sufficient water pressure. "If required, this cost would be borne by the village," he said.

To resolve low water pressure village-wide, Southampton may need to secure land for a water pumping station, Robinson said. He explained Friday that the Suffolk County Water Authority has offered to pay for the pumping station.

Robinson also warned that automatic fire sprinkler systems may become mandatory in the future for new residences in New York under state building code, putting further strain on the water utility.

Mayor Mark Epley added that if and undergo major renovations, as has been discussed, it would mean an even greater need to increase water pressure.

In the past, the village's peak water usage was in the afternoon into the evening, Robinson said. But these days, now that so many homeowners have automatic irrigation systems for their lawns, peak hours are 1 to 7 a.m., he explained.

"Water pressure in the village was at an historic low last summer because of hot weather, no rain and the increased load from irrigation of the estate lawns," Robinson said Friday.

Perhaps five to 10 years from now, there may need to be legislation to regulate lawn sprinklers, Robinson said.