Planning Underground Storage for Water Supplies

Anticipating rapid growth, New York City is constructing a large tunnel to Richmond and a surface aqueduct that will terminate in a 100,000,000-gal capacity underground storage tank. The tank required unusual and extensive planning for its design, and in preparation for its construction. Planning included an investigation of the present system, a study of head losses, an evaluation of consumption growth throughout the City including Richmond, the timing of construction to insure future deliveries, the study of surges and water hammer effects, the designing of valves and control arrangements, the designing of the tank structure to meet foundation conditions, hydrostatic testing, the sterilization of the tank and related feeders and the ultimate restoration of the surrounding park lands. The aqueduct to Richmond and appurtenant control structures are scheduled for completion in 1969. The tank and associated facilities will be completed shortly thereafter.