Water Main Renewal Program

Halifax Water's Distribution Main Renewal Program is a long term on-going program of upgrading the distribution system pipe network to ensure long term integrity and maintain the desired level of service within our system. The program supports our ability to continue to provide both a reliable (minimizing water outages) and an adequate (providing desired water quality, flow and pressure) distribution system. We are currently ramping up from a 0.4% renewal rate to a 0.8% rate by 2010/11.

The program is comprised of three main sub programs:

 Main Replacement Program

The Main Replacement program provides for the replacement of structurally deficient pipes that have increasing maintenance costs and liability along with reduced reliability (typically cast iron pipes installed before 1960). This program currently undertakes open cut replacement with new Ductile Iron pipe. The majority of these projects are undertaken in partnership with HRM Road or Sewer renewal projects for improved cost effectiveness and reduced public disruption. We currently replace approximately 4.5 kms of pipe on an annual basis.

                       2010 Water Main Replacement Program TBA

Main Rehabilitation Program

The Main Rehabilitation program provides for the interior rehabilitation of existing pipes that are significantly tuberculated resulting in diminished local water quality and hydraulic problems. Our current program utilizes Cleaning and Epoxy Lining as the main rehabilitation technique.  We currently rehabilitate on average 3 kms of pipe on an annual basis with the next phase of the program scheduled for 2010/2011.

Cathodic Protection Program

The Main Cathodic Protection program provides for the installation of sacrificial anodes on existing distribution mains to provide cathodic protection aimed at halting exterior pipe corrosion. Our program currently targets 1960 – 1980’s ductile iron pipe that was installed without current corrosion protection measures such as polyethylene encasement or anodes. This promising program is still in an early stage with HRWC and is currently targeting 1000 m of mains as we continue to review and improve the program methodology.

Capital project implementation is managed by the Halifax Water Engineering Department. For information on a specific project contact the following:

Jamie Hannam, P. Eng
Director, Engineering and IS
Phone: (902) 490-4804
Fax: (902) 490-1584
Email: engineering_dept[at]hrwc.ca