Aging Pipelines To Be Replaced in Marin Cities, Including Mill Valley

MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin Municipal Water District announced this week that it will replace approximately 2,700 feet of dated and worn cast iron pipeline — some of which dates back to 1922 — within the cities of San Rafael, Larkspur and Mill Valley beginning late this month.

The project will replace leak-prone pipeline in coordination with planned road improvements to be conducted by the city of San Rafael and the city of Mill Valley, MMWD Spokeswoman Emma Detwiler stated in a news release.

Construction is scheduled to last through September. Streets impacted by the project include: Locust Avenue in Larkspur; Woodland Avenue and Warner Court in San Rafael; and Hazel Avenue in Mill Valley.

"Both the contractor and MMWD will make every effort to minimize traffic disruptions during construction," Detwiler said.

The contractor is Richmond-based W.R. Forde Associates, which submitted lowest responsible bid for the project in the amount of $447,580, Detwiler said.

"This project will replace old and vulnerable cast iron piping installed as early as 1922," Detwiler said. "There have been numerous leaks along these sections of pipeline, making them good candidates for replacement."

As an example of MMWD’s commitment to coordinate infrastructure projects with other local government agencies for the highest benefit and least public impact, she said, the project is being coordinated with the city of San Rafael and the city of Mill Valley to be completed prior to upcoming repaving projects.

The project also aligns with MMWD’s five-year strategic plan to improve water supply resiliency and maintain facilities and equipment sufficiently, according to Detwiler.

The district is funding the project through its Capital Improvement and Fire Flow Improvement programs. From 1997 through June 30, 2014 the $75 annual Fire Improvement Program parcel fee has reportedly supported the investment of more than $86 million in fire flow and seismic-related improvements and the replacement of more than 76 miles of pipe throughout the district’s 147-square-mile service area.

Customers with questions about the project may contact MMWD Senior Engineer Elysha Anderson at eanderson@marinwater.org or 415-945-1572.

(Image/Marin Municipal Water District via Facebook)