Water Distribution

City and contractual crews perform repair and maintenance, and installation tasks related to distribution water mains, meters, hydrants and valves. Division procedures state all non-emergency requests for service are responded to within 24 hours, or by the following workday, from the time the request is received. All emergency requests must be responded to within one hour regardless of the time of day. Emergencies include potential property damage, health hazards, water pressure, and water quality. The integrity of the system is assured through annual inspections, service and maintenance of all hydrants and valves and repair completion of any deficiencies identified through inspection. Water quality is maintained by monthly flushing of all dead-end mains and routine main flushing. New service/meter installations are completed on an as needed basis.

Valve Maintenance

The purpose of our Main Line Valve Maintenance Procedure is to assure water quality, reduce service disruption, and improve efficiency of utility repair crews.

The procedure entails:

• Locating the valve box. If necessary clean the valve stack with valve box cleaner to remove dirt and debris.

• Make sure the valve is able to operate freely and it is in the full open position.

• Mark valve location on the curb.

• Record any repairs such as, removing debris which could not be removed during inspection/maintenance, necessary removal of pavement or landscaping, etc.

• Generate a workorder to have the repairs made as soon as possible.

• If any excavation is needed a utility employee will notify the homeowner of work to be performed.

Hydrant Maintenance

The purpose of our Hydrant Maintenance Procedure is to assure operation readiness for emergencies as well as improve appearance.

The procedure entails:

• Annual Inspection - Checking hydrant for the correct location. Inspect hydrant for any deficiencies (missing caps, obstructions, etc.). Note any problems that may hinder the operation of the hydrant.

• Service - Operate isolation valve, lubricate and check operation, paint if necessary.

• Repairs - If any major problems are detected note problems and notify the field supervisor so a workorder will be issued immediately.

• If at any time a hydrant is placed out-of-serice, an out-of-service marker must be installed and Sugar Land emergency dispatch is notified.