Frequently Asked Questions

The project will receive cost-shared funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. Funding partners are the Government of Canada, Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the City of St. John's.

Cured-in-Place-Pipe (CIPP) Watermain Lining is a trenchless pipe rehabilitation method that consists of the cleaning and structural rehabilitation of the existing watermain via installation of a CIPP liner.  The CIPP liner is an epoxy-impregnated flexible tube which is inflated and heat cured to form a hard and tight-fitting liner against the inside wall of the existing watermain (i.e., pipe within a pipe).

Watermain rehabilitation activities are mainly conducted via small pits that are excavated at strategic locations (tees, valves, hydrants, etc.) along the street to gain access to the watermains. Following cleaning and CIPP liner installation, existing water service connections are reinstated from inside of the rehabilitated pipe using robotic equipment.  

Installation of new fire hydrants and watermain valves will be completed via traditional excavation methods but are mainly located at access pit locations.

Many of the existing watermains in the project area are approximately 75-years-old and have been experiencing a higher rate of watermain breaks in recent years, and varying issues with low water pressure, discoloured water, taste, and odour. As a result, the City hired an engineering firm to complete a condition assessment of the watermains in the area, which concluded that most of the watermains have significant structural degradation and have exceeded their useful life; therefore, they need replacement or rehabilitation.    

The City considered both the replacement and rehabilitation options and opted to rehabilitate the existing watermains with CIPP liners. This rehabilitation method provides a cost savings over replacement, while extending the life of the existing watermain for an estimated 50 to 75 years. In addition, since CIPP liners are installed through small strategically placed access pits, it does not require complete excavation and tear-up of the entire street as would be required for replacement of watermains by traditional excavation methods.

While most of the existing watermains in the project area are approximately 75 years old and have exceeded their useful life, we have determined that some are not as old and/or still have sufficient remaining useful life; therefore, not requiring rehabilitation at this time.

Refer to the Street List in the Documents section for a complete list of streets to be completed in 2022 and 2023. A list of provisional streets to be completed if funding and time permits is also included. 

During construction, properties will receive water through an above ground temporary water piping system installed along the street. A water service hose attached to the temporary piping will be connected to your property via the outside tap (hose bib) to allow water to enter the property's plumbing system. The temporary water system will be in place until the watermain lining has been completed and the rehabilitated watermain returned to service.  

Yes. The temporary water system will be connected to the existing City water system which means it will receive the same chlorinated water as the existing in-ground watermains.

The City will implement a water sampling and testing program throughout  the project to ensure water provided via the temporary water system is in compliance with the Canadian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines.

The temporary water system is constructed of PVC pipe certified for potable water use in accordance with the NSF International standard ANSI/NSF 61 - Drink Water System Components - Health Effects. This type of pipe is commonly used in Canada for temporary water supply systems and watermain replacement projects.

Prior to activation of the temporary water supply system, it will be disinfected/chlorinated, and water samples submitted to the Public Health Laboratory for bacteriological testing, in accordance with the City Specifications and the ANSI/AWWA C651 Disinfecting Water Mains standards.

If your outside tap is not operational, it will be repaired or replaced by the contractor. If your property does not have an outside tap the contractor will install one.  Repair, replacement, or installation of an outside tap will be at no cost to the property owner. If installation of an outside tap is not practical, or if your property has a larger diameter water service line, the contractor will excavate and connect the temporary water service directly to the existing water service line.

Depending on the type/model of your outside tap, the contractor may have to dismantle the tap and remove the inside operating mechanism to allow water to flow in reverse/back through the tap and into your property. When this is necessary, the contractor will either attach (using zip-tie) the operating mechanism directly to the outside tap or give it to the property owner for safe keeping, until it is needed for reinstallation.  

Yes. The contractor will require access to your property to inspect the existing water service shut-off valve to ensure it is operational. Non-operational valves will be repaired or replaced by the contractor. When notified by the contractor, the water service valve will have to be shut-off to prevent water entering the property's plumbing system from the temporary service connection from flowing back into the existing watermain during construction.

In addition, the contractor may require access to operate the water service shut-off valve (or may request the property owner’s assistance in operating the water service shut-off valve), as necessary to facilitate CIPP lining operations.

Without access to the property, the contractor will not be able to confirm the operation of the water shut-off valve and outside tap, and therefore, will not be able to connect the temporary water service to the property.

Residents are asked to cooperate with the contractor to provide access to the property in a timely manner to avoid delays in completion of the work, and to ensure water service is maintained to the property.  

Occasionally, the contractor may have to turn off the water supply to your property for a short duration.

Yes. Residents will be notified 24 hours in advance of any scheduled water service interruption or request for access to complete a water service shut-off valve inspection by the contractor. The contractors notice of “Water Supply Interruption”, or “Water Shut-off Valve Access” will be hand delivered; if you are not at home, a notice will be left at your door. 

Access will be maintained to residences and businesses in the project area. Where temporary water piping crosses driveways, appropriate ramps will be installed over the pipe (typically an asphalt ramp) to ensure driveway access is maintained.

Traffic interruptions and delays may be experienced during this project. However, they will be kept to a minimum and two-way traffic will be maintained where possible. The contractor will make every reasonable effort  to maintain driveway access to properties located within the work site. Residents may have to park on the street temporarily during CIPP lining operations if equipment is set-up in front of their driveway. Note that once the CIPP liner installation process has started, it cannot be stopped until the process is completed.

No. The contractor will not be working on the sewer system; therefore, there should be no sewer service interruptions.

There will be no Civic Assessments charged to residents for this work since it is a rehabilitation of existing watermain infrastructure.