New Mexico American Water is beginning construction work to improve the Clovis water system by replacing approximately 2,300 feet of aging, undersized water mains with new 6-inch PVC pipes to improve fire protection and water service. The total cost of the project is expected to be $250,000.
“Most of our recent, large investments in the Clovis water system have focused on ensuring a reliable supply of water for our community,” said New Mexico American Water Vice President Daniel Bailet. “This project focuses on improving our distribution system to improve system reliability and fire protection.”
A recent report by the American Society of Engineers entitled “Failure to Act” found that many US cities have fallen behind in replacing aging water infrastructure. In 2010 for example, the report found that only a third of the total $91 billion in needed infrastructure investment was funded, leaving a $55 billion deficit in deferred repairs, improvementsand construction nationwide.
The work will take place between Seventh and 14th streets and Thornton and Mitchell streets. Water mains run through the back alleys in this area and New Mexico American Water will be replacing sections of water mains between alleys that bisect the streets.
Increasing the pipe size at each intersection will improve fire protection and service reliability for the entire neighborhood.
“I’m pleased we are investing in critical infrastructure for our community,” said Clovis Fire Chief Ray Westerman. “New Mexico American Water’s project to enlarge these mains will ensure that we have adequate flows to fight fires in the area.”
Work in each intersection is expected to take four days or less and may result in traffic and parking restrictions. Affected customers will be notified. Some customers may also have their water service interrupted for several hours during the day while construction work is completed. Customers will receive additional notices of planned shut offs before they occur.
New Mexico American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and related services to approximately 60,000 people.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
In 2011, American Water is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a yearlong campaign to promote water efficiency and the importance of protecting water from source to tap. To learn more, visit www.amwater125.com.
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