High Priority Water Main Projects

OWASA has identified 10 high-risk locations, totaling 30,000 linear feet, where asbestos cement mains (6-inch to 12-inch diameter) require replacement. These areas include the major 15/501 corridor leading into Chapel Hill, congested utility corridors around the UNC campus, and low-traffic residential streets. CJS was initially tasked with reviewing the overall program, and held detailed discussions with contractors, stakeholders, and approval entities to develop grouping and scheduling for the 10 areas. We also conducted a comprehensive assessment of water main rehabilitation methods and evaluated their suitability for the OWASA system. Based on the preliminary assessments of replacement methods and the program requirements, the mains have been designed and replaced in a staggered manner. To optimize the bidding process and provide more opportunities for qualified contractors based on their availability, our strategic approach has involved combining multiple areas into a single bid package and spacing out the bid schedules.