Water Main Replacement

The Town annually and proactively replaces water mains whose age and condition make them vulnerable to unexpected service interruptions and costly repairs. 

2022 Water Main Replacement Projects - Updated on April 4, 2022

Two contracts have been awarded this year for water main replacements. The first contract to replace the water main on Boylston Circle was awarded to contractor, Riccardi Brothers Inc. of Worcester MA. Work will begin at the Mountain View Cemetery end of Boylston Circle the week of April 11, 2022.  This project is expected to be finished in November 2022.

A second contract to replace the water main on Holden Street and Clinton Street was awarded to contractor, Haluch Water Contracting Inc., of Ludlow, MA. This project will include the replacement of the water main on Holden Street between Sewall Street and Clinton Street as well as Clinton Street from Holden Street to the Boylston Town Line.  Work is expected to begin later in April and is expected to be completed by the end of the summer.

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Water Main Replacement Process

Mobilization and utility mark-outs:  The contractor will begin storing equipment and limited materials in the work area.  Tree protection and catch basin sediment controls are installed.  Underground utilities, such as existing water, sewer, drain, and gas, are marked out in their approximate locations.

Install temporary water main by-pass system:  Depending on the available utility corridor, the contractor may need to remove the existing water main to install the new one.  If this is needed, the contractor will set up a temporary “by-pass” system that consists of above-ground piping along the sides of the street.  The by-pass system will be connected to the water system outside of the work area.

Water main installation:  The new water main will be installed either in phases or throughout the work area.  The work includes cutting and removing the asphalt surface, digging a trench, installing the pipe and backfilling.  The process is repeated down the street until critical connection points are reached (usually at an intersection at the ends of the project limits).  Water main connections may require the water mains in the area to be temporarily shut-off for periods usually less than one day.  Advanced notification will be provided prior to any planned shutdowns. 

Water main testing:  During this critical stage you may see little to no construction activity for approximately two weeks.   The water main is put under pressure to ensure it was installed correctly.  To confirm the water main is properly disinfected and meets our water quality requirements, we conduct two rounds of testing that are performed by certified labs.  Additional testing and flushing continue until passing results are achieved.

New service lines connected:  After the new water main is tested and meets water quality standards, the contractor will begin service connections.  As part of the work, the Town’s portion of your water service, from the new water main to the shut-off box is replaced with 1-inch Polyethylene tubing.  We will connect the new service piping to your remaining water service.  The contractor will again need access to your house to remove you from the by-pass system.

Restoration:  The contractor will periodically pave the trench during construction.  As work nears completion, disturbed areas such as grass planting strips and concrete sidewalks will be restored to existing condition or better.  The street trenches will be left for some time to allow for settlement and then the contractor will come back and perform a permanent trench restoration.