Water Main Rehabilitation Project Overview

As part of a continuing effort to improve water quality and the condition of our water system, Providence Water has hired a specialized contractor to rehabilitate the existing water mains in your neighborhood.

Please read and review the following rehabilitation processes and frequently asked questions pertaining to this upcoming project.

CLEANING & LINING PROCESS

1. Installation of temporary bypass pipe and temporary fire hydrants to provide uninterrupted water service and fire protection to those properties that will be impacted during the project.
2. Clean, disinfect, and test the temporary bypass to ensure safe drinking water.
3. Connect each property to the temporary bypass through a small hose. The process of cleaning and lining will NOT begin until all properties receive water through the temporary bypass system.
4. Dig access pits (approximately 4’ x 4’) to reach the water main.
5. Remove any sediment and corrosion within the water main using specialized machinery.
6. Place a new cement mortar lining throughout the cleaned water main.
7. Remove and replace old valves and fire hydrants.
8. Disinfect and test the newly cleaned and lined water main.
9. Activate the approved cleaned and lined main.
10. Reconnect any existing copper services.
11. Remove and replace any lead services in the street with copper piping.
12. Remove temporary services from each property, the temporary pipe and temporary fire hydrants.
13. Temporarily patch road excavations for the required 60 day settlement period.
14. Complete permanent road and sidewalk restoration of any area disrupted during the project.

WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT PROCESS

1. There will be no bypass required for this replacement work. The existing water main will remain in service while the new water main is installed.
2. The existing water main will provide uninterrupted water service and fire protection to our customers while the new main, valves, and hydrants are installed.
3. The new main is pressure tested for leaks. Then, the main is flushed, disinfected and sampled.
4. Once approved by our laboratory the new main is placed into service.
5. At this time all lead services are replaced from the new main to the curb line valve. Existing copper services are connected to the new main.
6. When all new services, hydrants, and valves are installed, the old main will be capped and abandoned in place.
7. A temporary shutdown will be required to complete the final water main tie-ins. 24-hour notices will be delivered to all effected customers.
8. After the required 60 day settlement time, permanent road restoration of the streets and sidewalks is completed.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT AND TEMPORARY BYPASS FAQ'S