Holly Hill approves $522,620 3rd Street water-main replacement; public works outlines benefits

The City Commission approved a task order with Flat Sands Development Group for Phase 2 of the 3rd Street Water Main Replacement Project (Resolution 2025R105) in the amount of $522,620.10 and authorized the city manager to execute the construction contract.

Public Works Director Joe Shouse explained the technical rationale: the project replaces aging 2-inch galvanized house service lines with a 6-inch HDPE loop that will feed 2-inch service branches to each home. "What we're replacing it with is a HDPE 6-inch loop which will provide great water quantity and pressure... because it's HDPE pipe, there's no scaling inside the pipe," Shouse said. He said larger mains reduce pressure drop during simultaneous household use and improve water quality by eliminating internal scaling associated with galvanized pipe.

Shouse estimated the work would take about nine months from start, with crews expected to begin "somewhere around February, give or take a month or two," subject to material availability and contractor mobilization. He warned residents that higher pressure when switching to the new mains can dislodge scale in household plumbing and may require residents to clean faucet aerators.

Commissioners moved and seconded the motion to approve the task order; the item passed on a voice vote. The Public Works Department will provide scheduling and construction notices to affected residents and coordinate shutoff and connection procedures as the project progresses.