Working Together to Keep Our Community's Water Systems Safe

You may notice City crews working in the streets opening manholes, cleaning sewer lines, or accessing valve boxes in the roadway. These activities are part of routine maintenance that helps keep our water and wastewater systems operating reliably and prevents costly emergencies.

Sewer Cleaning Keeps Wastewater Flowing

One important maintenance activity is sewer jetting, which uses high-pressure water to clean debris, grease, roots, and sediment from sewer pipes. By regularly cleaning the sewer system, crews help reduce the risk of sewer backups and overflows that can affect homes, businesses, and the environment.

When sewer cleaning crews are working:

• Slow down and follow all traffic signs and directions.
• Give workers and equipment plenty of room.
• Never move cones, barricades, or warning signs.
• Be aware that manholes may be open and hoses may extend across work areas.

Exercising Water Valves Improves Reliability

Crews also perform routine gate valve exercising throughout the community. This process involves locating and operating water valves in streets and boulevards to ensure they function properly when needed for emergencies, repairs, or fire protection.

Regular valve maintenance helps:

• Improve system reliability.
• Reduce water service interruptions.
• Allow crews to isolate water main breaks more quickly.
• Extend the life of critical infrastructure.

Drivers Play an Important Role

Many of these maintenance activities take place in active roadways where workers are only a few feet from moving traffic. Your attention and caution can make a significant difference in keeping everyone safe.

Please remember to:

• Slow down when approaching work zones.
• Stay off your phone and avoid distractions.
• Watch for workers entering and exiting vehicles.
• Obey posted speed limits and traffic control devices.
• Allow extra space between your vehicle and work crews.

Thank You for Your Patience

While maintenance activities may cause brief delays, they are essential investments in protecting public health and maintaining reliable water and wastewater services. We appreciate your patience and cooperation as our crews work to keep these critical systems operating safely and efficiently.

A little extra caution around work zones helps ensure that everyone—workers, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians—gets home safely.