OCWA is undertaking these cleaning & lining projects to rehabilitate the existing 8” & 6” cast iron water mains, which is causing discolored water issues due to corrosion. The age and condition of the water mains is also restricting fire flows in the area.
The first step in the cleaning and lining process is the exploration phase. An OCWA representative will mark out the existing mains and locate all curb boxes to the house. They will mark the main & curb boxes in blue paint and with blue flags. The OCWA personnel will exercise each curb box to ensure that it is working properly.
The next step is to address any issues found in the previous step. OCWA crews may need to dig up repair any curb boxes that did not work properly. OCWA may need to install temporary hydrants and/or blowoffs to facilitate the testing phase.
During the testing phase a pre-construction flow test is needed on the mains to be rehabilitated. Unfortunately for our customers in the area this will result in some dirty water due to the heavy flows OCWA will be initiating. Residents in the area will be notified before this testing occurs. OCWA will have staff on hand to deal with any dirty water complaints and we will work diligently to get the system back to normal for all of you.
Once the pre- construction flow tests have been completed OCWA’s contractor will begin setting up a temporary (above ground) water system. These temporary pipes will be run along curb lines and yard areas in the Road Right-of-Way. Access will not be restricted to driveways during this process. This temporary water system will require temporary services be installed to maintain domestic water service. Customers will be contacted by our Contractor, Mainlining America, to set up a date and time when they may access your residence to disconnect your existing service and install the temporary one.
Cleaning and lining projects generally take 3-4 months to complete. Below are the typical steps involved in the construction process:
• Temporary water service piping installed, disinfected, and tested.
• Upon Department of Health approval residence will be connected to the temporary water system.
• The existing water main will be isolated and drained of water. Access holes will be installed every 300-600 feet to facilitate the cleaning and lining.
• During the lining process it may be necessary to gain access to your residence again so we can blow out any debris that may accumulate in your service line from the process.
• Once the lining is completed and the pipe has been disinfected, tested, and approved by the Department of Health, your service will be switched back over to the newly cleaned main.
Temporary bypass piping Temporary hydrant connection Typical driveway crossing
During the construction of this project some lawns and driveways in the road right-of-way will have to be dug up. Upon completion of this project, all lawns and driveways that have been disturbed will be restored to their former condition. OCWA has taken preconstruction photos and video of the area to ensure the restoration is completed properly.
For any planned interruption of service, customers will be notified 24 hours in advance by our contractor placing a door hanger at the residence with the shutdown information. Throughout the process there may be an interruption in water service due to unforeseen circumstances. OCWA will make every effort to keep this time of interruption to a minimum. Customers will notice a brief interruption in service on the day their water service is transferred to the temporary water main and the day it is transferred back to the existing water main.