The Southwest Metropolitan Board of Directors approved the 2022-2031 Capital Master Plan (Plan) on September 24, 2021. The Plan allows the District to be proactive in addressing infrastructure needs by identifying, prioritizing and scheduling water and wastewater rehabilitation and replacement projects over the next ten years.
The Plan identifies $1.4M in total capital expenses in 2022 and $10.5M over the next ten years. There is one water main replacement project and one sewer main replacement project scheduled for construction in 2022. Details on the projects are as follows:
Water Main Replacement
S. Kipling Street – This project will replace 2,239 feet of 16-inch ductile iron pipe with 16-inch PVC water pipe in S. Kipling St. from south of W. Fair Ave. to just north of W. Coal Mine Ave.
This project was scheduled at a construction cost (including 20% contingency) of nearly $1.2M. This pipeline has experienced only one break, which occurred in 2010. However, staff is extremely concerned about managing future breaks due to the depth of this water main as it is located 14 feet deep in the S. Kipling St. median. The project involves relocating the water main to the east side of S. Kipling St. and at a more manageable depth.
Sewer Main Replacement
S. Everett Way – This project will replace 227 feet of 8-inch PVC sewer pipe with 8-inch PVC sewer pipe in S. Everett Way between 6449 S. Everett Way and 6489 S. Everett Way in the Woodmar Village subdivision.
As a result of a sewer service line inspection done as part of a house sale, that service was discovered to be partially submerged due to pipe movement. An inclination survey showed dips and heaving of the connected sewer main, which may lead to sewer backups that would be the responsibility of the District. Therefore, the segment of sewer main mentioned above is in need of replacement. This project is scheduled at a construction cost (including 20% contingency) of approximately $177,000.
The District’s water distribution system will necessitate additional attention as significant portions of the system approach the end of its reliable, useful life. It is extremely important that the District maintain a proactive facility maintenance program and comprehensive long-range capital improvement program to detect and repair all District owned infrastructure as necessary.
System modifications are prioritized so the facilities most in need of repair are replaced or rehabilitated in a appropriate timeframe. The goal is to minimize operation and repair expenses by avoiding costly unscheduled repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of deteriorating facilities. Most importantly, an aggressive capital rehabilitation and replacement program helps avoid system deterioration, disruption, and potential safety, health and property damage impacts.
