Many Johnson City water customers are experiencing improved service with better pressure, elimination of discolored water, and a reduction of leaks, thanks to the City’s Galvanized Waterline Replacement Project.
While Water and Sewer Services has been replacing small-diameter galvanized lines since the early 1990s, the work increased in 2009, when additional funding was made available.
“Galvanized piping was a common material used in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s in many subdivisions, service areas, and homes. The type of pipe has been prone to internal corrosion resulting in customer issues,” said Tom Witherspoon, director of Water and Sewer Services.
The department has been replacing galvanized lines with larger diameter ductile iron or PVC waterlines for about 20 years, which has resulted in over 400,000 feet being replaced and the total amount systemwide being reduced by more than 58 percent. The additional funding provided to accelerate the work should result in the amount being significantly reduced or totally eliminated within seven to 10 years.
Phase One of the project began in November 2009 and consisted of waterline replacements in four areas: Presidential Streets, Belle Terrace (Washington County), Austin Springs Road and Walnut Grove Road (Sullivan County). By October 2010, 18,730 linear feet of new waterline was installed, giving 348 customers improved reliability and capacity.
Phase Two is currently under way, in the Dogwood/Gillfield (Sullivan County) and Mountcastle Hills subdivisions, where 16,795 linear feet of waterline is scheduled to be replaced by October 2012. More than 250 customers will benefit from this phase of the project.
Approximately 90 percent of work in Mountcastle Hills and 30 percent in Dogwood/Gillfield is complete. Customers are currently being connected to the new lines in both areas.
“We are fortunate to have a City Commission that is committed to providing a high level of service for our customers,” Witherspoon said. “We are proud to have completed Phase One under budget and anticipate the same for Phase Two.”
The Phase One contract amount was $1,073,112 and actual cost was $982,521. The Phase Two contract amount is $912,400.
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