Turn on the tap, and water flows without a second thought. But deep beneath New York City, hundreds of feet below street level, workers are finishing a project that’s been under construction for more than half a century — a massive water tunnel that will help keep that simple act possible for generations to come.
Tunnel No. 3, as it’s known, is one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in the city’s history.
When complete, it will ensure New Yorkers continue to receive clean water from upstate reservoirs — some more than 125 miles away — while allowing long-overdue maintenance on the city’s two older tunnels, built in 1917 and 1936.
What You Need To Know About 95% of New York City’s water supply flows into the city by gravity through three water tunnels
Tunnels 1 and 2 were completed in 1917 and 1936, respectively
Construction on Tunnel 3 began in 1970 and currently serves the Bronx and Manhattan
The final two shafts in Queens are expected to be completed by 2032, allowing for long-term repairs to the city’s aging water infrastructure
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