In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the current state of the city's water infrastructure, highlighting both challenges and operational practices. The city maintains 79 miles of water mains serving over 5,000 customers. Between 2018 and 2022, the system experienced 97 water main breaks, primarily involving eight to twelve-inch mains, which are prevalent in the area.
The meeting underscored the importance of the city's 1,600 water main valves, essential for maintenance and emergency responses. These valves allow public works teams to isolate sections of the water system during repairs or service interruptions. However, the current method of operating these valves is labor-intensive, requiring manual effort with a valve key, often necessitating two employees to complete the task. Closing an eight-inch valve can take up to 20 turns, indicating a need for more efficient operational practices.
The discussion also referenced a significant water main break that occurred recently, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by the city's water management team. As the community continues to rely on this critical infrastructure, the need for improvements in maintenance procedures and response strategies remains a priority for local officials.