Winnipeg, MB - The section of water main on Laxdal Road between Ridgewood Avenue and Beiko Avenue, originally installed in 1970, is at the end of its service life and will be replaced as part of the City’s 2014 Water Main Renewal Program.
From December 29, 2013, to January 19, 2014, there have been 12 leaks on this water main, interrupting water service for up to 38 homes. This is an unusually high number of leaks in a very short time. Water main breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe. Winnipeg soil is highly conductive and corrodes the metallic pipe from the outside in. Extreme weather changes can cause the ground to swell and contract, placing excessive pressure on the water mains, causing any weakened pipe to break.
“We recognize the inconvenience and understand the frustration caused by the prolonged disruption to water service,” said Diane Sacher, Director of the City’s Water and Waste Department. “We thank the residents on Laxdal Road for their patience and assure them that we have been doing everything we can to repair each leak as quickly as possible. Replacing this section of water main is a priority.”
As a result of the rapid decline in the condition of the water main on Laxdal Road, this section of water main has been added to the 2014 Water Main Renewal Program, and has been assigned the highest priority. There are 2,557 kilometres of water mains in the city. An average of approximately 12 kilometres of water main can be replaced each year under the approved Capital Budget. The budget for the 2014 program is $16 million. Since 1998, the City has spent $159.8 million to replace corroded water mains with new PVC pipe.
The cost to replace about 400 metres of water main on Laxdal Road will be approximately $500,000. The Water Main Renewal Program work is performed by contractors, and the section of water main on Laxdal Road will be included in the first tender package of the season, with a stipulation that it is the first priority on the list of mains to be replaced. Construction can begin no sooner than late April or early May, as the frost must be out of the ground and overnight temperatures do not drop below freezing, to avoid the risk of temporary water service lines freezing.
More information on water main breaks and the annual water main renewal program is on the City’s website at City of Winnipeg - Water and Waste