Suffolk County DPW crew braves dangerous heat
Workers spent the day cleaning sewer lines while taking extra precautions to cope with the extreme temperatures.
More Stories
While many Long Islanders sought relief indoors during Wednesday's heat advisory, Suffolk County Department of Public Works crews remained on the job, tackling sewer maintenance projects in Brentwood under sweltering conditions.
Workers spent the day cleaning sewer lines while taking extra precautions to cope with the extreme temperatures.
“Very hot, it's very hot, very sweaty,” said Daniel Harrington, of Suffolk DPW. “But you know, just keep the water going and take your breaks as you can and try to stand in the wind, the breeze and the shade.”
Union officials said outdoor workers face brutal conditions during the current heat wave.
“These guys can be out and about during the day in 100-degree heat,” said Terry Maccarrone, of the Suffolk Association of Municipal Employees.
Despite the heat advisory, crews chose to continue the project because the work is less physically demanding than some of their other assignments.
“Today, because it's so hot, they're actually doing something that's a little bit less exertive,” Maccarrone said.
Meanwhile, in Head of the Harbor, construction crews are installing the village’s first fire hydrants and more than 5,000 feet of new water main.
“There were no fire hydrants here,” said Robert Kent of Head of the Harbor. “And one of our neighbors occasionally, when he would turn his water on, it wouldn't work if everyone else was using the water.”
The extreme heat is also putting added pressure on Suffolk County’s water supply system. The Suffolk County Water Authority is urging residents in the four towns on the North and South forks to conserve water by limiting sprinkler use to every other day.
“We're praying for some rain this weekend,” said Charlie Lefkowitz, of the Suffolk County Water Authority. “But when we're pumping 500,000 gallons a minute, it really taxes our system.”
Officials say water conservation efforts can help reduce strain on infrastructure as temperatures remain elevated across the region.
