When you sign up, be sure to check the box next to "North Jantzen west of Pavilion."
Project overview
Last updated November 28, 2023
We are replacing 2,200 feet of aging pipe with earthquake-resistant pipe, installing backflow devices, replacing five existing fire hydrants and adding one hydrant to the south side of Jantzen Beach. Construction will begin in December 2023 and will continue through May 2024.
- Make the water system more resilient in an earthquake
- Protect the water system from contaminants from backflow
- Improve water flow and supply to fight fires
What's happening now
- The specialized earthquake-resistant pipe required for this job has been delivered. Construction will start during the first week of December.
- Work will begin with preparation around the construction site. Surveying, erosion control, project sign installation, and landscape excavation will be among the first steps.
- Water main (pipe) installation will begin during the second week of December. Initial pipe installation will begin near Columbia Crossing along North Jantzen Avenue toward Pavilion Avenue.
- Training sessions for laying this specialized pipe have been scheduled, there may be more crews around than normal during the first weeks of this project.
What to expect
- Work hours are from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- During construction hours, you can expect noise from saws, excavators, dump trucks, concrete pump trucks, and generators.
- Crews will work to mitigate any traffic obstructions on North Jantzen Avenue. Any road closures or parking limitations will be communicated to residents.
- Gate access for crews during construction hours has been approved. Expect to see crews on or around private property.
- No work will happen on Christmas day, or the day after.
Where
North Jantzen Avenue from Pavilion Avenue west to the dead end. Some work will also take place to the north of the dead end on private property.
Why
Fixing aging pipes
The water mains of a certain age and material in the area have a history of leaks and breaks that need to be replaced. The pipes were made during a time when people didn't know about the danger of using the asbestos in the coating around the outside of the pipe. Even though asbestos can't get into the drinking water, it poses a hazard to our crews when they make repairs on the outside of the pipe. Crews will be taking necessary precautions when connecting to the existing system and disposing of existing pipe materials.
Helping pipes endure ground movement
The earthquake-resistant ductile iron pipe we're installing will be safer to maintain. It will also make the system more seismically resilient in case of an earthquake.
Preparing to fight fires
New fire hydrants will improve firefighters' access to water and help the bureau continue to meet state fire codes.
Protecting against contamination
In addition to the leaking main, several water services in the area lack backflow devices. These devices are required by law to keep our water supply safe from contaminants. We will install backflow devices on services that need them to bring them up to City code. This will make sure your water stays clean even if there is an unexpected reverse of water flow. Learn more about backflow.
Upgrading our maps for future work
Last but not least, replacing the main will help us locate water mains and services so we can maintain and repair them more efficiently in the future.