The project involved replacing more 1600 feet of water main in the Mill Run Section of town at a cost of more than $400,000.
The Mt. Laurel Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA) has completed replacing more than 1600 feet of water main in the Mill Run Section of Mount Laurel at a cost of more $400,000.
This project was part of the MUA’s FY16 Capital Improvement Plan for its infrastructure.
“Water mains of this type should last approximately 80 to 100 years; however, due to the area’s high groundwater table and with shifting soil conditions, this pipe needed replacing after 40 years or so”, said MUA Chairman Chris Smith.
The MUA’s contractor, DSC Construction, Inc. commenced work late August and recently completed the project. This area experienced a high frequency of water main breaks over the past decade.
The decision was made to install a replacement pipe 2” larger in diameter than the existing. The new pipe is poly wrapped and equipped with sacrificial anodes both of which will reduce the effects of corrosion, thereby lengthening the life of the pipe.
“With installation of this new water main, customers should experience increased water flows and more importantly, more reliable water service for a long time in the future” MUA executive director Pam Carolan said.
With more 200 miles of water main throughout Mt. Laurel, the MUA utilizes their Asset Management Program to track all leaks, and other factors such as soil type, water table and pressure fluctuation which can affect the life of the water system components.
These factors are used to determine the timing and areas targeted for repair or replacement.
The projects are then added to the Capital Improvement Plan for budgeting purposes.
The next areas scheduled for water main replacements are Grant Road and S. St. Andrews Drive, with work is expected to begin in January 2017.
