Replacement of water line in an access road between East Franklin Street and South Elliott Road
In January, we began work to replace the water main on an access road between Franklin Street and Elliott Road as shown on the map below.
Need to replace our water main
The existing pipe is constructed of poor material and its replacement will help us maintain reliable water service to customers in the area. Water service is an essential part of daily life, and we work to minimize the interruption of our services and to provide safe, high quality drinking water for everyone’s health and for fire protection.
Our timetable
Our work began the week of January 16, 2012 and may last about 2 months. However, our progress will depend on weather, underground conditions and other factors, so more time may be needed.
How will this work affect citizens?
- During our work hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., traffic on the access road will be reduced to one lane at the entrances and along the entire access road between East Franklin Street and South Elliott Road. The OWASA crew will have an employee directing traffic when work is taking place.
- Outside of our work hours, access will be normal, and drivers on the access road will be able to travel in both directions without restriction.
- Trenches will be dug in the street to install the new water pipes, so there will be noise, dust and mud in and near our work area. OWASA crew will make every effort to minimize the dust and mud and will comply with the Town’s noise ordinance.
- When we make connections between the new pipes and other existing pipes, it will be necessary to interrupt our service for about 4 to 6 hours. Also, when we connect a meter to the new water line, it will be necessary to interrupt service for about an hour. We will notify individual customers a day or two in advance of when we will need to interrupt service.
- There may be times when iron and manganese particles in our water system will be stirred up or air bubbles may get into the water. Therefore, our water may be discolored at times (if you have an ice maker, ice may be affected as well). If this happens, please run cold water from a faucet such as in a bathtub for 5 to 10 minutes so the water will clear up (use discolored ice to water plants, etc.). If the water does not clear up, please call us at 537-4292.
- After we install a new section of water pipe, we will refill the trench above the pipe with soil and stone. Therefore, the road surface may be rough and uneven temporarily and you may need to drive more slowly. Stone and/or asphalt, if necessary, will be placed prior to completion of the project.
- When we install the new water line and connect it to our meters, we will install a valve to help prevent water from flowing backward through our meter. Because of this change, you may wish to consider installing a device to relieve the pressure that may build up in your plumbing system due to the normal operation of a water heater. (When water is heated, it expands somewhat, so pressure will rise in pipes that hold hot water. Higher pressure can cause leaks or excessive operation of the relief valve on a water heater.) You may wish to get advice from a plumber about whether to install a pressure relief device if you do not already have one. OWASA does not require people to install pressure relief devices, but we want you to be aware of the potential need to have a pressure relief device.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS AT ANY TIME, please feel free to contact Mr. Jeremy Fireline, P.E., Project Manager, at jfireline@owasa.org or 537-4249. We welcome your feedback, questions and requests about this project or any of our services, plans, policies, etc.
If you wish to receive updates about our work, please send an e-mail to jfireline@owasa.org.
If you have tenants at your property, please ask them to contact Mr. Fireline if they want to receive our project updates.