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Water pipe replacement work begins next week
The first phase of the replacement of some 20 miles of aged water pipes begins next week in Port St. Joe.
The first phase, expected to last 12 months, will aim to replace 10 miles of pipe, concentrating on sections with particularly old galvanized pipes.
The replacement is the first step in addressing what has been identified as the No. 1 source of problems with discoloration and sentiment in water coming from taps – pipes in the water distribution system that are 50-70 years old.
“The city is totally committed to fixing the water,” said city manager Charlie Weston. “That is our number one priority.”
Work will begin in Byrd Alley, which sits between Monument and U.S. Highway 98 between 11th and 16th Streets.
“This where we think we will have the most immediate impact,” said Clay Smallwood of Preble Rish Engineers.
There will be minor inconveniences as the work progresses throughout the city proper over the next year. There may be minor traffic delays as traffic flows are altered as pipe is replaced.
There is also the potential for brief interruptions in water – measured in minutes rather than hours, Smallwood noted – as new pipes are attached to meters.
“We are trying to be proactive to get it done and proactive on people being aware of what we are doing,” Weston said.
Check back to The Star or www.starfl.com for updates on where pipe replacement work is moving in the coming weeks and months.
This is the first of three phases of water distribution pipe replacement the city will undertake in the next few years.
The city is already working with the State Revolving Fund on the second phase, scheduled to begin next year, which would complete most residential areas of the city.
The third phase, which will involve sewer and water, will focus on the commercial district in town.
