City of Wilmington Cleaning & Lining Project,
Wilmington, DE

The City of Wilmington hired a specialized contractor to thoroughly clean and line existing water mains in two city neighborhoods, Union Park Gardens and Browntown. These water mains are over 90 years old, and over time developed corrosion in the interior, which reduced water flow.

Before contactors could clean the water main, properties needed to be hooked up to a temporary by-pass line for temporary water service. HFA designed and developed outreach materials to help explain this public works project that required public cooperation and coordination. Once the temporary by-pass pipe was servicing the properties, contractors were able to access the existing water main at various pits to clean and smooth out the interior with a new cement mortar. This process diminished incidents of rust in the water and allows the necessary amount of chlorine to remain in the water, which prevents bacteria growth.

HFA developed location maps to present information at public meetings and mailed “Frequently Asked Questions” to the surrounding neighborhood. Outreach materials were also posted on the City’s website for electronic access. HFA helped coordinate temporary changes to public transit buses that were impacted by construction.

At the conclusion of the project in Fall 2008, new hydrants were installed in both neighborhoods, greatly improving fire service availability. Residents in both neighborhoods complimented the Project Team about proactive outreach and daily coordination in the field.

 

Click here for the City of Wilmington Cleaning & Lining project sheet