Willard Water District Improvement Project Update – September 25, 2023

As mentioned in our last update, testing was being performed on the section of new main between 2nd Street to the intersection of County Road 132 and County Road 132 A. The initial pressurization test failed, so the line was re-pressurized and tested again, and it passed.

Individual service connections were installed from the west end of the line to 1401 Main Street, including the cross-over under Main Street to the Historical Society building. Several more hydrants and valves were also installed.

Water samples were collected and submitted for the section of new main from 2nd Street to the intersection of County Road 132 and County Road 132 A, and we are awaiting the results for that section.

As you are probably aware, the old main sprung a leak during excavation. The leak was repaired, and service was restored. The leak was not caused by a strike during the excavation. Rather, it was the result of the earth being removed from over a weak section of main. The weight of the dirt is what was keeping the old main intact. This serves to highlight the overall poor condition of the existing main.

This week will see additional service installations up to 2nd Street. If the water sample test results are approved, that process will continue from 2nd Street toward the intersection of County Road 132 and County Road 132 A.