From spring to fall, the Department of Public Utilities reconditions sections of the city's water mains. Over the years, pipes
develop sediment and mineral deposits. Periodic flushing of the mains removes most of those deposits, but eventually the pipes
must be scraped clean of accumulated material.
Then a thin coating of cement mortar lining is applied to the inside of the mains to protect them from corrosion. Reconditioning
of the pipes in this way improves the water flow, ensures high water quality, and increases the life of the pipe.
Currently the Cleaning and Lining Project is working in the Carver area, including Broad Street to Leigh Streets,
and Belvidere to Hermitage Road. We are also cleaning and lining West Avenue from Lombardy Street to Harrison Street
and Harrison from Grace Street to Grove Avenue.
Residents and businesses will
be provided with a temporary water supply through above ground hoses while their mains are being flushed and cleaned.
Work areas are barricaded and carefully marked to guard against accidents. Openings will be covered and resurfaced as
soon as the project is finished.
We realize cleaning water mains may cause some inconvenience while it is in process, and we're doing our best to see
that the construction goes smoothly. You may notice water in the streets. To ensure the best water quality, large amounts
of water are used to flush the pipes during the lining process.
The Department of Public Utilities began cleaning and lining pipes in 1983 because the method cost up to 60 percent
less than installing new water mains. To date, DPU has completed more than 250 miles of mains.
If you have any questions, call (804)646-7000.
Photos: (top) The discoloration caused by sediment in the pipes is readily apparent while the pipes are flushed during the lining process. (middle) A pipe that is severely compromised by sediment. (bottom) The pipe on the left has been cleaned.
