GIBSON ROAD, RIDGE ROAD AND BEACH ROAD, BRISTOL

During the spring of 2017, the BCWA rehabilitated the water pipes in portions of Gibson Road, Ridge Road and Beach Road. The work involved “cleaning and cement lining” the interior of the old cast iron water pipes and improved water quality and flow in these neighborhoods.

gibson_pipe
Before and after!

Many older water mains are made of unlined cast iron. Over the years, these pipes get mineral deposits that, while safe, can decrease water volume in the pipe and discolor water for customers. The water mains in Gibson Road, Ridge Road and Beach Road were installed before 1935. We knew from customer complaints and flow testing that the pipes had considerable build up (rust) on the insides.

BCWA improved the water mains by “cleaning and lining” the pipes, rather than replacing them. This method allowed the work to be completed using several “access pits”, rather than digging trenches along the entire length of the streets. First, crews scraped off the mineral buildup inside the mains. Then, a cement lining was installed on the inside of the pipes to prevent the cast iron water main from future mineral build up. (Since the mid-1960s, BCWA has installed ductile iron pipes that come with a factory-installed cement lining for any new water main installations.)

 

 

Our offices will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2024 in observance of the holiday