City launches water system project

The City of Sisters has launched its 2009 Waterline Improvement Project.

The project, in the residential area south of Cascade Avenue, is necessary to bring fire flows up to a sufficient level, according to Paul Bertagna, project coordinator of the city's public works department.

Affected streets are St. Helens Avenue (from Elm Street to Pine Street), South Ash Street, South Oak Street and South Pine Street (from St. Helens Avenue to Sisters View Avenue) and Sisters View Avenue.

Lines in the area are old and undersized, Bertagna said. Flow is as low as 500 gallons per minute; flow must be raised to 1,000 gallons per minute for fire protection.

Bertagna said the area suffers considerable water loss through leakage.

The projected cost is $313,341.75. Mainline construction went to Taylor Northwest, of Bend; service laterals will be installed by Hooker Creek, of Bend.

Mainline trenching and installation will begin on December 1 at Pine Street and St. Helens Avenue and should be completed by January 8, 2010. There will be a holiday break from December 24 to January 4.

Installment of the new service lines will begin on January 11, 2010 and should be completed by January 22. Cleanup and testing will begin on January 25 and should be completed by January 26.

Paving will begin on March 17 and should be completed the same day.

The project is funded 84 percent from systems development charges (SDCs), and 16 percent out of water system operating funds.

If you have any questions in regards to this project, call Bertagna at 541-323-5212.