Public works highlights: unidirectional flushing complete, water loss declines and in-house manhole savings

The Wood Village director of public works described a range of operations updates and a recent internal cost‑savings pilot during the June 23 council meeting.

Staff reported completion of unidirectional flushing of the upper and lower systems, a process intended to scour mineral buildup from lines. The director said water loss fell from 2.4% last month to 1.76% this month, and production stands at about 13,000,000 gallons (monthly figure). "We actually finished it this month," the director said of the unidirectional flushing project.

Public works staff also described a pilot to rehab 10 manholes in-house rather than contracting the work. According to the presentation, contracting the work previously cost roughly $42,000 for 10 manholes; the in-house team completed the same scope for just under $5,000 total, enabling a reengineering award of $1,575 gross per participating utility worker. "Our team, including their time and materials, we spent a total of just under 5,000 to do 10 manholes," Greg said in explaining the award and savings.

Council thanked staff for park maintenance, trail work and cooperative regional trainings. The public‑works team will continue its maintenance schedule and staff will post additional project photos and reports to council.