Ubits January - March 2024
p Jeff Krier, maintenance planner
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE: Tacoma Water completes two complex pipeline shutdowns It’s not very often that Tacoma Water shuts down a pipeline, and it’s even less common when they shut down two major pipelines, especially in the same month. Last October, the utility temporarily shut down Pipeline 2 (58-inch diameter) and Pipeline 5 (72- and 60-inch diameter) for inspection and maintenance.
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Years of planning went into these projects,” said Water Treatment and Transmissions Operations Manager Jim Goodman. “This was a very intensive process that required assistance from many groups inside and outside Tacoma Water.” p Front to back: Toby Holland, water utility worker, Tryce Ouhl, water utility worker, Doug Smith, water plant maintenance worker, and Dutch Mylan, water utility worker.
Pipeline 5 is one of the utility’s primary supply pipelines; it feeds their Second Supply Partners (Covington, Kent, and Lakehaven water utilities) and wholesale customers. In 2021, staff began to plan a Pipeline 5 interior inspection after one of their Second Supply Partners experienced a water quality event due to a water main break in their system. The high velocities of the flows from the break led to noticeably discolored water in the impacted system. The presence of sediment inside water pipes, including trace amounts of minerals, is not a regulatory issue, but it can cause discoloration, making the water less visually appealing.
them to a lab for analysis. Crews then disinfected the pipeline and returned it to its normal operating condition. Water Quality staff will use the information gathered during the inspection to assist with plans for future improvements.
ONE SUCCESSFUL PROJECT DOWN, ONE TO GO Later in October, the utility temporarily shut down Pipeline 2, which moves water to Tacoma from the McMillin Reservoir. The pipeline is a mix of concrete and steel sections installed between 1924 and 1960. Due to the age and material of the pipeline, some compromised concrete joints leaked.
For Tacoma Water to better understand the conditions inside the pipeline, workers performed an interior inspection in early October after multiple unanticipated challenges and delays. First, crews made operational changes to ensure they continued to meet demand. They removed the pipeline from service and drained the locations where they would enter. They inspected the pipeline, gathered samples, and sent
While workers can often repair leaks in steel piping from the outside, leaks in concrete joints cannot be repaired. Continued on next page
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Community Connection 2023 highlights
Leadership in Energy Efficiency Award
Mike Elk-Phelks in Lake Cushman