Waterworks reports three recent main breaks and ongoing valve bolt replacement program

Manchester Water Works distribution staff told commissioners the system experienced three notable leaks in the past month and is continuing a multi-year program to replace corroded valve bolts.

Gabe, who leads water distribution, said crews repaired a blowout on Willard Street (a pipe crack and an approximately 1-foot diameter hole and an 8–9 foot pipe failure), a leak on McCarthy Street caused by vibrations from a highway contractor’s heavy roller during repaving, and an open leak on Doris Street. Staff said the Willard Street repair involved some dirt washing onto adjacent property, which crews are cleaning up.

Distribution staff said the valve-bolt replacement program is ongoing; crews aim to replace one or more valve bolts per week and are prioritizing work to avoid disrupting schools and other sensitive customers. Staff also said they are coordinating relay work with the highway department to avoid paying for repaving the same stretch of road after main replacement.

Staff reported continued meter work, including PBBs (precision or periodic backflow/device and/or meter tasks performed by in‑house crews on overtime) to avoid contracting costs. Distribution engineering is inspecting a 16‑inch main installation on Radburn Street and a 12‑inch installation at the Village on Technology Hill mixed‑use project; petitioners will pay for frontage main extension on Glenbridge Avenue.

Commissioners said the program is progressing and noted that while valve‑bolt work remains, there have been fewer blowouts recently.