Waterford council approves ice-pigging contract to remove clay from Hickman distribution lines

The Waterford City Council voted unanimously to award a public improvement agreement to American Pipeline Solutions for $208,323 to perform “ice pigging” in the Hickman water distribution system, a city staff member told the council at a special meeting called after the regular session.

The work is being pursued after months of discolored water complaints from Hickman residents. Council members heard public comment outlining the disruption to daily life: Lynn Meshew, a Hickman resident, told the council the community has “been looking for some answers” after water that residents say is visibly discolored persisted since April, and Brandon Curtis, a Hickman resident, said the water problem is “ruining clothes…staining the showers” and asked the council to “take it to the next step.”

City staff said the problem began when a cavity failure at a Lake Road well released clay into the distribution system. Staff member Mister Stasser described the recommended approach: “This method involves pumping a slushy ice mixture into the water system via a hydrant and pushing it through to…