• Main replacement project will result in improved reliability, fire flow and reduction of water loss
PACIFIC GROVE, CA, Dec. 15, 2009 -- California American Water began work this week on an ambitious water main replacement program in the City of Seaside. The project will invest more than $7 million over three years to replace aging pipes prone to leaks and breaks.
"We regularly assess the condition of our water infrastructure," said General Manager Craig Anthony. "Based on the number of leaks in the area and the material and age of these pipes, we have identified these upgrades as a necessary and cost-effective investment in our water system."
The project focuses on underground water pipes in a residential area of Seaside, between LaSalle and Broadway Avenues. The pipes, which were installed in the 1940s and 1950s, are 4-inch diameter, made from thin steel. They will be replaced with 8-inch PVC pipes. The improvements will increase fire flow, service reliability and reduce water loss. The new pipes have an expected lifetime of 100 years.
During construction hours -- 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- no street parking will be allowed in areas where project work is taking place. However, streets will be accessible to local traffic. Residents will be given 48 hours advance notice before work is conducted by their home. New pipes will be placed parallel to existing pipes so that water service may be maintained during construction. Residents will experience a thirty-minute to one-hour interruption in water service when individual home lines are connected to the new main and will be notified before such interruptions take place.
Residents may also experience discoloration or sediment in their water as a result of the main replacement work. This could be related to mineral build-up in the existing pipes and does not pose a health hazard; however, customers are encouraged to report sedimentation or discoloration to California American Water at 1-888-237-1333.
The project is expected to take three years, after which California American Water will seek approval from the California Public Utilities Commission to embark on a second phase of main replacements in Seaside, requiring an additional $7 million, for a total investment of $15 million.
About California American Water
California American Water (www.californiaamwater.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, provides high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to more than 600,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in 32 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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