Buckle Up, North Huntingdon: A Major Waterline Replacement is On the Horizon!

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News Summary

North Huntingdon is set to replace a nearly mile-long stretch of waterline in a $1.2 million project, focusing on safety and infrastructure upgrade.

Buckle Up, North Huntingdon: A Major Waterline Replacement is On the Horizon!

In an exciting turn of events, North Huntingdon has approved a remarkable $1.2 million project to replace a nearly mile-long stretch of waterline. This is no ordinary infrastructure update; it involves replacing a 75-year-old section of cement pipe that is laced with asbestos. Residents along McKee Road, from Clay Pike to Robbins Station Road, should prepare for some upcoming changes that are set to enhance their water systems!

History of the Pipes

Remarkably, the existing pipe dates all the way back to the early 1950s. Those old-fashioned cement pipes have stood the test of time, but they come with significant concerns associated with the use of asbestos, a material known for its probable connection to serious health risks such as mesothelioma. The Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County is taking steps to ensure that these risks are mitigated effectively.

Safety Measures in Place

The Municipal Authority’s manager has emphasized that the cement pipes are not considered a safety risk for customers. The asbestos is tightly embedded in the pipe and poses no immediate danger as it does not make contact with the water or ground. However, the authority recognizes that the material can become hazardous during the cutting and removal process, prompting strict safety protocols.

What’s in Store?

Mark your calendars! The project will unfold in two phases. In the first phase, contractors are set to replace approximately 2,000 feet of antiquated cast iron pipe from Clay Pike to Whitmore Road. The second phase involves nearly 2,800 feet of the infamous cement pipe, which contains asbestos fibers woven throughout the material. But fear not! Most of the asbestos-infused cement pipe will remain underground, with only small sections being wrapped, removed, and disposed of in specialized dumpsters designed to prevent exposure.

Why Replace Old Pipes? A Nationwide Concern

It’s important to note that asbestos-infused cement pipes were widely installed in the mid-1900s and continue to exist across about 600,000 miles of service lines throughout the United States and Canada. However, only a small percentage of the over 2,660 miles of local water lines currently in use are made from cement. This initiative in North Huntingdon serves as just one example of how municipalities across the nation are upgrading aging infrastructure to ensure safety and efficiency in water delivery.

What’s Next for Water Services?

As part of its ongoing commitment to infrastructure enhancement, the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County has been busy replacing older waterlines for over a decade, catering to approximately 123,000 customers across several counties, including Westmoreland, Allegheny, Armstrong, Fayette, and Indiana. The board has allocated a whopping $2.8 million for various system upgrades, including:

Replacing a filter at a sewer treatment plant in Mt. Pleasant.
New sewer lines in the New Stanton area treatment plant serving residents of Fort Allen in Hempfield.
Water tower repainting efforts in West Leechburg.

In addition to physical infrastructure improvements, nearly $69,000 has been set aside to bolster cybersecurity measures for the water production control systems, ensuring that water services remain safe from modern threats in a tech-driven world.

Final Thoughts

As North Huntingdon embarks on this critical waterline replacement journey, residents can look forward to enhanced water quality and safety. This initiative stands as a testament to the importance of maintaining infrastructure that serves the community, while also addressing health concerns associated with historical materials like asbestos. Stay tuned for further updates as this $1.2 million investment takes shape!