When it’s time for maintenance on a critical water main, especially one as substantial as the 30-inch pipeline that serves our system’s largest zone, meticulous planning and expertise are non-negotiable. This 30-inch line is critical to our operation when customer demands soar in the summer. It also branches off Metropolitan Water District’s (MWD) substantial 73-inch feeder (a line so large that a 6-foot tall person can stand upright in it).
In March, an unused lateral branch posed a leak risk, threatening to catapult us into an emergency shutdown. With quick thinking and collaboration, the Engineering and Operations teams joined forces, showcasing their ability to synchronize and strategize. The operation was set for winter when water use dips, and the system could operate without this supply source.
The Operations & Maintenance crew sprang into action, initiating systematic dewatering of the pipeline, using safety protocols like Lockout Tagout (LOTO) of critical equipment, and navigating the complex network of isolation valves. The task required entry into deep vaults requiring caution; team members were equipped with full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety harnesses, fall protection hoists, and air-monitoring devices for the confined space.
The successful operation stands as a testament to Suburban’s interdepartmental cooperation and our unyielding commitment to service continuity and safety. Through these carefully orchestrated efforts, Suburban maintains its pledge to provide uninterrupted, high-quality water service to all its customers.
By Jorge Lopez, PE, Vice President, Engineering