Politics & Government

CE Waterline Project Nears Completion

The project, which began last August, includes the installation of new water lines, looping the waterline system on the north side of the base, installing an inter-connecting line between the north and south sides of the base, and repairing existing water

By 94th Civil Engineering,

Dobbins' Civil Engineering is nearing the completion of a five-month base water line installation project.

The project, which began last August, includes the installation of new water lines, looping the waterline system on the north side of the base, installing an inter-connecting line between the north and south sides of the base, and repairing existing waterlines along Refueling Road serving the Fire Department, Communications Squadron, Security Forces Squadron and Hangers B746 and 747.

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"This project will significantly improve the base's potable water line system, making it more dependable, maintainable and safe," said Ken Williams, manager of the Dobbins Civil Engineering.

The new water lines are required to improve water circulation, so that chlorine levels can be maintained at the correct levels, and creates a bi-directional source, which allows for the isolation of water lines for maintenance without cutting off water supply to buildings, and to improve flow for future construction.

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"The base water line located south of the runway is supplied by a different source than the water line on the north side," Williams added. "In the past, both sources have been off temporarily due to pipe failures. With the new connection, the base will be able to supply water from either direction making our water supply more dependable."

The new waterline will improve water flow to the buildings near Patrol Road and the east side of the base in case of fire.

Some of the water lines that run across the south side of the base were installed in the 1950s. Many have been disturbed by tree roots, which have ruined many of the pipe's joints.

Some of these lines have broken in recent years, wasting thousands of gallons of water, said Hugh Phillips, CE project manager. There have been many minor leaks, usually adjacent to a service line or other pipe joints, he added.

The line being replaced along Refueling Road is over 60 years old and has suffered many leaks in recent years.

The new pipelines are made with a durable and thick plastic called High Density Polyethylene, or HDPE. One of the advantages of HDPE piping is the joints may be fusion welded, similar to the welding of steel.
This results in a much stronger and durable joint than the solvent welds used on PVC piping, which the civil engineers have had difficulties with in the past.

The project cost for replacing the existing waterlines is $752,000 and the cost to install the new waterlines is $749,000, for a total cost of $1.5 million. The contractor for the project is Cape/CDM. The CE project engineer is Hugh Phillips, the CE inspector is Chris Howe, and the base contracting representative is Cheryl Lee.


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