HOW WILL THIS AFFECT ME?
The Water Department will make every effort to keep disruptions and inconveniences to a minimum during this project. We will also ensure you receive adequate notice prior to disruptions. Common impacts to residents include the temporary issues of water service interruption, intermittent driveway interruption, parking adjustments, traffic, dust, and noise. Rarely during construction, unforeseen circumstances occur that impact residents unexpectedly - in which case we will communicate with residents and resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
The construction contractor has been instructed to remove all litter, debris, and construction waste, minimize noise, dust, standing water, vibrations, hazardous conditions, and provide continued safe access to individual properties.
Water Service Interruption
You may experience a temporary disruption to your water service at some point during the project. Disruptions may last up to 8 hours during normal work hours, and you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any such disruptions. Upon reinstatement of water service, you may want to briefly turn on the hose at the front of the house for 10 minutes. Then, to purge air in the line, turn on the COLD faucet in a tub or shower and run until clear. More detailed instructions can be found in the "Water Flushing" section of this FAQ page.
Traffic and Parking
Access to homes and businesses will be maintained, but through-traffic may be diverted. Street parking may be restricted at times to allow for efficient traffic flow and safe working conditions; temporary no-parking zones may be established during construction for these reasons. Notices will be designated by sign at the curb at least 72 hours in advance.
A traffic management plan is in place for each affected neighborhood to ensure traffic is able to flow and pedestrian access is available through the construction zone.
Driveway Access
Convenient access to driveways will be maintained and temporary entry means will be established if needed. You will continue to have access to your home and driveway during construction, with two exceptions (1) while the pipe is being placed in front of your home and (2) while concrete curb cures. We will work with you directly if your driveway access will be impacted.
Water Service
You may experience a temporary disruption to your water service at some point during the project. Disruptions may last up to 8 hours, will occur during normal business hours, and you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any such disruptions.
Dust
Dust is inherent in this type of construction work; however, dust control and dust clean up protocols have been established and are the responsibility of the contactor.
Noise
Construction and machinery noise may be present during the project but will be minimized as much as possible. Noise and construction work will be limited to Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT TIMELINE?
The project will begin August 31, 2020 and is expected to go through November 2020. The specific timing of work will be provided on the website as it's finalized or as changes are made.
Construction is often staged to move through neighborhoods in phases, which means construction will not occur on certain streets until later in the project timeline. Please check the website for the most up to date timeline.
WHY DO THE WATER MAINS NEED TO BE REPLACED?
The Vallejo Water System is comprised of approximately 475 miles of pipes, 23% of which are over 70 years old. The water industry standard for pipe replacement is 100 years. Vallejo's current replacement cycle is 450 years with the intent to bring the replacement cycle to 100 years. In September 2019, the Vallejo City Council unanimously approved a water rate plan that would fund the most critical water main replacements in the system based on a variety of factors including the age of the pipe, the number of main breaks, frequency of leaks, pipe material, soil conditions, or need to increase water-flow. These water main replacement projects provide the means to maintain our water distribution system and ensure we meet the necessary standards.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF A WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT?
1. Improve reliability of water system flow by (a) reducing main breaks and leaks, and (b) providing longer-lasting pipe materials.
2. Increase flow capacity by replacing and upsizing corroded and undersized metallic pipelines to expand pipe diameter.
3. Where possible, replace old pipe with non-metallic pipe of the correct diameter which decreases pumping costs, and increases water flow for fire protection.
WHEN WILL WORK OCCUR DURING THE DAY?
Construction will take place between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM Monday - Friday, and will not occur on weekends or on City-recognized holidays unless absolutely necessary due to an emergency situation.
WHAT DOES THIS WORK ENTAIL?
A water main replacement typically consists of the following steps (not necessarily in this order):
- Removal of pavement and soils where new pipelines will be placed
- Installation of new water mains, valves, and services lines (to customer meter)
- Backfill and compaction of new pipeline trenches
- Disinfection of new pipelines
- Tie-over and short-term water shut-offs
- Abandonment of old water pipelines and appurtenances
- Restoration of roadway, sidewalks, and landscaping
WHY WERE THESE STREETS SELECTED?
Multiple factors are considered when determining which water mains should be replaced, including age, size, material type, location, and leak/break history. Through analysis of these factors, the Water Department Engineering team has determined that these pipelines are of higher priority for replacement. Replacing these pipelines will reduce the likelihood of future water main breaks and service disruptions in the area, and will increase flow capacity and fire protection.
WILL MY WATER BE TURNED OFF?
Customers can expect normal access to tap water except for water interruptions needed during tie-ins. You may experience a temporary disruption to your water service at some point during the project. Disruptions may last up to 8 hours, will occur during normal business hours, and you will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of any such disruptions.
IS MY WATER SAFE DURING CONSTRUCTION?
Yes.
Water will continue to meet all drinking water standards. Construction will not comprise the integrity of your drinking water. New water mains are disinfected and tested prior to being put into service. You may need to flush your water lines after a shut-down to remove air and any minor particles. See instructions for flushing lines in the "Water Flushing" FAQ section.
WATER FLUSHING:
Do I need to flush my water once the service is connected?
Yes, pipes should be flushed thoroughly before using the water for consumption. To ensure good water quality, best practice is to use the steps below to flush the water in all faucets
Remember that each drinking water outlet should be flushed individually.
How do I flush the faucets?
FAUCETS (cold, then hot)
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Locate the COLD water faucets on each wing and floor of the building, open the COLD water faucets and let the water run for 5 minutes or until run clear
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Open the HOT water lines and run until they reach their hottest temperature and run for 5 more minutes or until clear
Refrigerators with water-dispensers should be flushed as well and Ice might need to be exchanged.
WHO IS DOING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK?
Construction work is performed by private contractors who meet defined contractual requirements and submit bids to the City. The City is required to award each construction contract to the lowest, qualified, responsive, and responsible bidder. City engineers provide quality control monitoring to ensure the work is built according to the contract plans and specifications and is safe, reliable, and cost-effective. The contractor for this project is Maggiora & Ghilotti.
WHO CAN I CONTACT WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?
If you have questions or issues that our field personnel cannot resolve with you, please contact Maggiora & Ghilotti, Inc. office at 415-459-8640. The same number may be used for after-hours emergencies.
If you are unable to contact Maggiora & Ghilotti or have any further questions, you can contact the City's project manager and inspector at the following:
Water Main Replacement Project Manager
Melissa Cansdale, [email protected]
Project Inspector, City of Vallejo Water Department
Dave Rasmusson, [email protected]