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City reports major water/sewer replacements in downtown alley project; water loss improved after repairs
Summary
City public works updated the URA on a downtown alley capital improvement project that replaced 1,450 feet of main and services, added storm drains, found deep sewer sections and reduced city water loss from about 47% to about 37% after repairs; engineers estimate the next phase at about $3.9 million.
Public Works presented a detailed update March 24 on the 2025 downtown alley capital improvement project, reporting extensive water and sewer replacement work, unanticipated construction challenges and measurable improvements to the city's water loss rate.
Scope and costs: the project covered the alley between Main and 2nd (about three and a half blocks), divided into three bid schedules (Schedule 1: $1,589,000; Schedule 2: $278,000; Schedule 3: $745,000) and included a voluntary $80,000 deduct if a single contractor won all schedules. The contract totaled just over $2.5 million; substantial completion occurred in 179 days on a 210‑day contract with no change orders reported.
Key findings and impacts: project staff reported replacing approximately 1,450 feet of main water and sewer service and about 400 feet of storm drain, installing five mainline valves and several hydrants, and correcting sections with failed mains. Public Works reported finding a block with roughly 9% total water loss; after the replacements the citywide reported water loss decreased from about 47% to about 37%.
Materials and lifespan: crews removed clay tile sewer pipe and older ductile iron water pipe and installed C900 PVC lines for both systems. Staff and engineering noted industry expectations of a 50–70 year lifespan for these materials but acknowledged limited long‑term field data for newer products.
Construction issues and next phase: crews worked around dense utility networks (notably Northwestern Energy gas lines) and performed deep sewer excavation (up to 14 feet). The city is holding retainage to ensure punch list items (ponding and grade corrections) are fixed before final acceptance; engineers' estimate for the next/final phase is about $3.9 million and staff plans a similar three‑schedule bidding approach.
What was said: Adam Malue, the city's project manager for public works, walked the board through before‑and‑after photos and construction techniques and emphasized the project's role in reducing water loss and improving reliability. Board members thanked staff for the work and asked clarifying questions about materials, trenching safety and how the improvements affect drought management planning.
Next steps: staff will continue oversight, require contractors to complete paving punch list items and proceed with planning and procurement for the upcoming final phase.
