WATER DISTRICT #2
October 26, 2023
Re: Portland Water District 2
Watermain Reconstruction
Water Service Line Information
Dear Property Owner,
This letter is to inform you of the proposed watermain replacement project including anticipated timeframe, water service line reconnections, contact information and project updates.
Construction of new watermain, valves, hydrants and service lines is starting within the Portland Water 2 District. This project is being performed so that the existing watermain that is in poor condition can be abandoned. Work will occur along Lakeside Boulevard, Wilson Boulevard, Central Avenue, Oakdale Avenue, Cottage Avenue, Grove Avenue, Walnut Avenue, South Avenue, Park Avenue, Tastor Lane, Patterson Lane, Parkview Lane, Woodcrest Drive, Greenwood Drive, Beach Place, and Orchard Street. The work will be within the road right of ways with new watermain either underneath a road or few feet of the road in grassed areas. S. St. George Enterprises of Fredonia New York will perform construction.
What Is Involved In The Water Main Construction?
The work can generally be divided into five steps:
Task
Timeframe
1 Watermain installation
October 2023 – March 2024
2 Testing of new watermain
April 2024
3 Installation of new water service lines
May – June 2024
4 Abandonment of old watermain, valves & hydrants
May – June 2024
5 Final Restoration
May – August 2024
The first step of work is the new main installation, including pipe, fire hydrants, and valves. The rate at which the water main is installed will average between 300 and 600 feet per day. The trench is backfilled at the end of each day, with the dirt mounded slightly to allow for settlement of the backfilled materials before the final restoration is completed near end of the project. When excavation crosses a driveway or is in the roadway, temporary asphalt or stone is placed in the trench area until final restoration phases. (This is also done to allow settlement to occur before the final pavement is placed.)
After main is installed, the next step is testing of the main. First the main is pressure tested, and if any leaks are found, they are repaired. Then the new main is disinfected and flushed. The last element of the testing phase is sampling and water quality testing for approval by the County Department of Health.
What Is Involved In The Installation of Water Services?
The contractor will install new 3/4 inch water service line from the new watermain to your existing service line at the road right of way (also your front property line). At this connection point, a small meter pit assembly consisting of meter, shutoff valves and lockable cover will be installed. This pit allows for future ease of maintenance.
Prior to this work being performed, The Town of Portland, water department (CBI) and the contractor will locate your existing water service line so that the new water service line and meter pit can be connected to your existing service line. All work for installing new service lines and reconnection to existing service lines will be by the contractor.
Please note that when connection of new service is made to old service, it will be known what material your service line is made out of. If material is lead or galvanized metal, you will be informed that service line on your property is to be replaced as lead is not a safe material and galvanized metal can corrode causing leaks. Replacement of deficient service line material within your property will be your responsibility by a separate contractor. Replacement does not have to be performed during this project and can be in future.
Regardless of your existing service line material, the contractor will connect new service line to your existing service line. Information on service connection location and materials will be documented for the Town and water department.
Final Restoration Work
During construction, the excavated trenches are backfilled and compacted to the surface. This condition will exist for some time until near end of project. This is due to the new main needing pressure, leak and bacteria testing before it can be placed into service. Once testing is approved by the County Health Department, the contractor will excavate portions of work to remove testing apparatuses that are no longer needed. Then, contractor can perform final restoration which includes returning lawns, driveways, and pavement to their pre-existing condition.
Please note lawn restoration with topsoil and seed is performed during proper growing weather. It is typical that some areas may need minor corrections after several months. The contractor is responsible for correcting any deficiencies with restoration as part of the 1 year maintenance period after project completion.
Construction News and Updates
During construction, regular progress meetings will be held typically once or twice a month. The following entities will attend to discuss construction progress and any concerns or issues.
Town of Portland
Chadwich Bay Intermunicipal Authority (water authority)
Portland Pomfret Sewer District (sewer authority)
Van Buren Bay Association (local association)
Chautauqua County Health Department
USDA Rural Development (NYS Funding Agency)
CPL (Project Engineer)
S. St. George Enterprises (Contractor)
Updates for the project will be posted on the Van Buren Point website https://vanburenpoint.wildapricot.org/
Please visit this website frequently to view update messages, download important documentation, or submit questions/concerns.
Construction Inspection
Daily oversight of the contractor will be provided by the project Engineer, CPL. A CPL inspector will be on site daily to document construction and work performed. Also, the project funding agency, USDA Rural Development will perform inspection and review documents.
This watermain replacement project has been underway for several years. The Town of Portland appreciates your patience and looks forward to having a new water system that will provide improved water volume and reduced maintenance for the district.
Sincerely,
Richard Lewis
Town Supervisor