The
Public Works Water Department is responsible for the water distribution
network throughout the City, this would include the fire hydrants,
service lines, main lines, and curb and valve boxes.
The City has
432 fire hydrants. The water department is responsible for maintenance
of the hydrants including any that are damaged, broken or in
need of replacement. Water must be pumped out of the hydrant
barrels for the winter months to prevent freezing and damage
to the hydrants.
Every
structure with water service has a service line where leaks
can occur. The majority of these leaks are on old lead pipes.
The Water Department detects leaks and assists wherever necessary
to repair the leaks quickly. In some cases one line may service
two structures and new taps are installed to provide separate
service lines. Service lines are also removed from the mains
where abandoned buildings or structures are demolished.
The
main water lines that run through the City, in places, are
over one hundred years old. The Water Department has several
main line breaks each year. These breaks are immediately repaired
to maintain service to City customers and to prevent assertive
loss of our City water supply.
Whenever
water surfaces in the City, low pressure is detected, or no
water is coming into a structure, the Water Department must
determine where in the buried service or main line a leak
has occurred. Once it is established where the break is, repairs
are completed.
Curb
and valve boxes are shut-offs for the service and main water
lines. Whenever a leak occurs or a water line is to be shut
off, it is done from the curb or valve box. These must be
cleaned, raised, and kept in working order.
|
