Route 9W Closure in Nyack Highlights Continuing Water System Problems
ROCKLAND POST DESK
Water gushes from a ruptured main in a typical street – level watermain break. Nyack residents have seen several such incidents in recent years as the village races to repair and replace aging pipes.
RJ a Nyack resident said he heard about the $33 million Congressman Lawler got for municipalities for infrastructure and wondered why Mayor Rand did not apply for federal money specifically awarded to help with the costs of repairing and/or replacing the aging water pipes, especially with there having been at least three major pipe breaks in the past two years.
Although Nyack became eligible for a $1,971,926 federal grant and principal forgiveness award to help address water system needs through a federal emerging contaminants program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL‑EC),
State and federal water infrastructure grants — In December 2025, the Village was awarded $7.2 million in combined state and federal grants and low‑cost financing to upgrade its surface water treatment plant. This funding includes federal dollars channeled through New York’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds, which rely on federal support such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
This shows that Nyack has applied for and received federal funding — in partnership with state programs — particularly for water treatment and contamination projects. These grants are aimed at improving water quality and infrastructure rather than directly funding all repair work or main replacements.
However, there isn’t readily available documentation saying the village has applied for a separate, large federal infrastructure grant specifically targeted at broad water main or pipe replacement (like EPA water or public works competitive grants) beyond the ones noted above — but the BIL funding and $7.2 M award do count as federal funding being accessed for water infrastructure improvements
A section of Route 9W in Nyack will be closed during the day on Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, as crews repair another water main tied to the village’s aging infrastructure.
Village and state officials said the work will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days along Route 9W (North Highland Avenue), from around High and Sickles avenues to Fifth Street.
During the repairs, traffic will be detoured onto Midland Avenue, one block east of Route 9W, allowing motorists to bypass the construction area. Officials also said no parking will be permitted along the affected stretch of the roadway while the work is underway.
The latest repair comes amid what many residents say has been a continuing series of water system problems in the village, including several water main breaks, service interruptions, and emergency repairs over the past few years.
In 2025, a major water main break on South Broadway caused significant disruption when the force of the break lifted sections of pavement, forcing emergency repairs and affecting water service to nearby homes and businesses.
Another transmission main failure earlier in 2025 left some residents temporarily without water and prompted a boil-water advisory in several neighborhoods while crews worked to restore service.
Residents have also experienced temporary water shutoffs, low pressure, and occasional discolored water during repair work, including projects affecting areas near West Nyack Road and Fulton Avenue as the village addressed additional water main issues.
The village water system has also faced treatment compliance concerns, when officials reported disinfectant levels did not meet required standards on several days in late 2024 and early 2025. Officials said the water remained safe to drink but acknowledged the system did not fully meet treatment requirements during that period.
Many of these problems have occurred during the tenure of Joseph Rand, who became mayor of the village in January 2024. Since taking office, the village has continued dealing with the challenges of maintaining and upgrading a water system that in some areas dates back decades.
Village officials have begun multi-phase capital projects to replace aging water mains and upgrade sections of the system in an effort to reduce the number of breaks and improve long-term reliability.
Motorists are asked to follow posted detours, observe temporary parking restrictions, and use caution around construction crews and flaggers directing traffic during the Route 9W repair work.
Village officials said they apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate residents’ patience while the necessary repairs are completed.
Residents are once again dealing with water system problems as crews repair a water main along Route 9W (North Highland Avenue), closing the road Wednesday, March 11, and Thursday, March 12, from High and Sickles avenues to Fifth Street. Traffic will be detoured onto Midland Avenue, and parking is prohibited along the repair zone.
The latest repair is part of a series of water system issues that have continued during the tenure of Mayor Joseph Rand, who took office in January 2024. Since then, Nyack has faced at least three major water incidents, including a 2025 South Broadway water main break that lifted pavement and a transmission line failure that prompted a boil-water advisory.
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Village officials say the problems are tied to the aging water infrastructure, much of which dates back decades, and that crews are working on a multi-phase plan to replace older pipes and upgrade the system. Residents have reported low water pressure, temporary outages, and occasional discolored water during ongoing maintenance work.
Officials urged motorists to follow detours and exercise caution near construction crews and thanked residents for their patience as repairs continue.