Committee weighs costly 'ice pigging' and hydrant replacements after Liberty Street pressure problems

City staff told the Finance Committee that a recent fire response on Liberty Street highlighted lower-than-expected water pressure and prompted an investigation into aging water infrastructure.

Staff described options to clear and diagnose lines, including "ice pigging," which was explained to the committee as running large blocks of ice through the water line to clear obstructions; staff estimated about $45,000 in ice for the procedure. Committee members questioned whether the pressurization could reveal additional leaks in older pipes and whether the cost and downstream repairs would outweigh potential gains.

Committee members confirmed that a hydrant-testing program launched last summer remains underway and should be completed by the end of the summer; staff also said portions of the system have live pressure monitoring. The finance lead said roughly six hydrants need replacing and set a target of Sept. 1 to have replacements installed, noting some failures stem from age or being struck by vehicles.

Members discussed interim operational plans to fight fires in areas with unreliable hydrants, including keeping tanker 4 available while a new tanker is procured. Speakers emphasized firefighters’ safety and the need to ensure reliable water pressure for life-safety responses.

No final procurement decision for ice pigging or other major repairs was recorded; staff said they will continue diagnostics and report back with findings and cost/benefit analyses.