What is the oldest water main in the City?

55 miles of Albany’s 376 miles of water mains were installed in the mid-19th century. However, some of the mains may even be older, with some cast iron mains possibly installed in 1813. If true, Albany would have the oldest functioning cast iron pipe in the western hemisphere.

Incidentally, all of the water mains in the City originally were hollowed-out tree trunks, many installed in the 1700s. Although unlikely, there is a very remote, outside chance that somewhere beneath some of the oldest parts of our City, a functioning wooden water main remains.

Show All Answers

1. Who owns the water service leading to my house?
2. Will the City repair the portion of the water service I am responsible for?
3. Who repairs the sidewalks and driveways damaged during a water main break?
4. My lawn was damaged during a water main break. Will you replace it?
5. My water bill is too high. What should I do?
6. What is the oldest water main in the City?
7. Why are there more water main breaks in the cold weather?
8. Why must we pay sewer charges as well as water charges?
9. Why do owners of vacant property still have to pay a water and sewer fee?
10. Can the public visit any of the Water Department facilities or reservoirs?
11. Many Capital District communities have water restrictions. How about Albany?
12. I have heard Albany water was judged the best in the State. Is that true?
13. Is it true that the Albany Water Department is checking every water main in the City?
14. Is Albany water the lowest priced water in the Capital District?
15. What effect did the September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on America have on the Albany Water Department?
16. Where does Six Mile Water Works get its name?