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Orem recognizes water-division crews after multi-day pipe failures and extensive repairs
Summary
Public works staff described a multi-day response to widespread ductile-iron pipeline corrosion west of I-15; more than 25 public-works employees responded to multiple breaks, and the city said long-term engineering and funding plans are in place to replace problematic sections.
The City of Orem publicly recognized its water-division crews for an extended emergency response addressing multiple mainline breaks caused by corrosion in early December.
Public Works Director Chris Shurkey described a response that began before a weekend shift and stretched into multi-day overtime for crews. Staff said failing ductile-iron pipe installed in the early 1990s suffered severe corrosion; a small control-valve leak increased pressure and exposed other weaknesses in the system. Crews repaired at least nine breaks through Friday and additional breaks into the following week; city staff said more failures have occurred since and that plans and funding exist to replace the problematic sections.
"Our guys go above and beyond to make sure that we provide this essential service," the public-works representative said as council members thanked crews for long shifts and extensive cleanup in affected neighborhoods. The city also said it has funding and engineering plans to address the area long term rather than rely on piecemeal repairs.
Council members praised the professionalism of the crews and asked staff to convey the council's appreciation to those who worked overnight and returned multiple times to the field.
