Pipe testing reveals necessary upgrades

The Department of Public Works finished a study on infiltration in the pipes, and found that there are three areas that will need repairs. 

These areas are Hawthorne Country Club and Tucker Road, Bliss Corner by Dartmouth Street, and Wilson Street area from Shipyard Lane to Lucy Street, High Point Lane and Shirely Street along Apponagansett Bay. 

Hazen and Sawyer conducted the flow assessment test all around town, checking where the pipes were letting in rainwater. The pipes were checked at night, when there was the least amount of inflow. Typically, the pipes were relatively dry.

Some methods of testing included smoke testing, to see if water could enter or exit the pipes in places it shouldn’t. There was a catch basin at 52 Center Street that was connected to the pipes somehow, that must be disconnected. 

Some of the pipes are over 60 years old. If the pipes are fixed, it would reduce the amount of clean water entering the sewers and allowing this clean water to drain into natural water sources. 

The repairs will cost between $85,000 and $100,000.