At the October Board meeting, PWSA awarded its $8.4 million Rising Main 4 Improvements Project to Structural Preservation Systems LLC. This project, part of our Water Reliability Plan (WRP), will renew a key distribution pipe.
Rising Main 4, located in Highland Park, is a large-diameter water main that moves water from Bruecken Pump Station to water storage systems in Highland Park. This project is phase two of our efforts, with the rehabilitation of nearby Rising Main 3 wrapping up in the winter.

As part of this project, crews will line 50- and 48-inch diameter steel pipe and 48-inch diameter concrete pipe with a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). This trenchless method of restoration was selected after the design process. Some sections that cannot be lined will be replaced by digging.

Crews will also complete additional condition assessment using electromagnetic technology on a portion of pipe that was not previously surveyed during the design process. Conducting this survey involves lowering a team of skilled technicians into the pipe where they visually inspect its interior condition and perform a robotic inspection using electromagnetic waves to detect deficiencies in the pipe.

The Rising Main Improvements Project will be funded by a mix of PENNVEST and federal loans, saving our ratepayers money over time. PWSA will pursue this type of funding for as many projects across its Capital Improvement Program as possible. Construction is anticipated to begin in March 2023 and finish by the end of year. Read more about this project and other WRP upgrades on our Water Reliability Plan webpage.