Summer

are typically the times we break out our tools to begin another round of repairs around the home.

During this time we use water to mix materials, clean up our work areas, and quench our thirst but, as during the rest of the year, we take the ready availability of water for granted. It isn't until something goes wrong that we think much about water or how much is involved in getting water to where it’s needed.

Waiting for plumbing to fail before doing repairs is expensive! Ruptured lines cause flooding and higher water bills. Inspection, repair, and replacement of water fixtures should be a regular part of home repairs as even a small leak can lead to water damage and substantially higher bills.

The City too needs to be mindful of the condition of its water infrastructure. This infrastructure includes over 550 miles of underground piping to reliably distribute safe drinking water to homes and businesses throughout the City.

With miles of these water mains at the end of their serviceable life, the City now faces a significant challenge due to historically low rates of spending on their renewal and replacement. Simply responding to a growing number of emergencies is costly and does not substitute for proactive renewal and replacement of aging mains as a way of managing the infrastructure.

In 1996 the Department of Public Utilities began a financial planning process aimed at addressing the backlog of utility renewal. Due to voter support, main replacement began in the first neighborhoods in 1999. Securing the future of our water utility, however, will require continued support from voters, customers, City staff leadership, and elected officials alike. To participate in decisions that affect the reliability and quality of your drinking water, please contact the City Clerk at (757) 393-8639 to obtain a schedule of when water utility issues will be brought before the City Council.