press release

January 3, 2001

REPLACEMENT PLANNED FOR WATER PIPELINE

Chula Vista - After three pipeline breaks in as many weeks, Sweetwater Authority has begun preparations for the immediate replacement of the water pipeline located in 4th Avenue between E Street and F Street. Recent repairs have cost water customers some $30,000, and will exceed $150,000 with paving costs, if the pipeline is not replaced. The ruptures have disrupted traffic, spilled more than 6 million gallons of water, and repeatedly interrupted service for more than 20 customers.

Officials say that pipeline breaks in the water system, which dates back to the 1880's, have slowed dramatically in recent decades due to an aggressive program to replace aging water mains. "In 1979, we repaired more than 200 water main leaks. Last year, we had only 52," said the Operations Manager, who credited more than $40 million invested in pipeline improvement projects for the decrease.

Main replacement projects scheduled for the current budget year, for example, include a section of the 4th Avenue pipeline, from F Street to G Street, adjacent to the current problem area. And although there were no indications that the section from E Street to F Street would fail so dramatically, experience has taught staff to quickly replace a section that repeatedly fails.

"This is exactly the situation that requires water agencies to maintain adequate reserves," explained the Operations Manager. He said funds for the repairs and unscheduled section of the replacement will cost the agency $500,000. Total project cost, including previously budgeted funds, is expected to exceed $700,000.

Cass Construction, a contractor to Sweetwater Authority, will install temporary water lines (known as "high lines") along 4^th Avenue between E Street and F Street from January 3-5. Sweetwater Authority crews will locate underground utilities on Monday, January 8. Excavation of the existing pipeline will begin Tuesday, January 9, with construction expected to continue until early March, affecting 4th Avenue from E Street through G Street.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area if at all possible, as one-half of the street is likely to be closed throughout the project. One fire hydrant (at 4th and Davidson) will be out of service, as will some private fire services.

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