Another construction season is complete.
The Beatrice Water Department does and has been doing their own water main replacement projects for more than 50 years. We feel this work being done by our own employees has several benefits other than cost savings. It allows our employees to know exactly and where and how the project is completed. There is value in knowing how things are put together for future questions. Most of our employees know exactly what valves are needed to shut off water and where the water valves are in case of water main breaks.
This past year we replaced water mains on North 12th/Paddock from Monroe to Dorsey, Park Street from 9th to 13th Street, 11th Street from Park to Carlyle, South 5th Street from Market to Perkins, and North 5th Street from High to Washington. Along with these water main replacement projects we installed all new valves, fire hydrants and replaced all City water services. There were 100 water services replaced with these projects. All this work is completed by the Water Foreman and three two men crews.
I also had a crew of two employees flow test over 725 fire hydrants in the system. This work was completed before the cold weather hit the area.
As we go into the winter months we will be working on testing over 400 customer owned backflow devices. We also will be exercising the over 1100 water valves in the system. And as needed we will assist the Street Department in the snow removal process.
This is also the year that the two underground water reservoirs will be cleaned by our staff and a structural inspection will be done by an engineering firm. This is required by State of Nebraska regulations every 5 years.
Another busy year is in the past and next year is even more involved with water main replacements.
And yes keep in mind the water we provide to you meets all the standards set by EPA. So drink up.
Steve Kelley
Water Superintendent