Keeping the City Safe and Functioning Optimally: Public Works Tackles Water Infrastructure

The City of Fountain Valley's Public Works Department works around the clock to ensure the City's infrastructure continues to be safe, reliable, and functioning optimally as it should.

One of the Department's many critical responsibilities is maintaining the City's vast water system - this includes thousands of fire hydrants, underground water mains, and customer service lines. The essential team members which comprise the Department regularly track and perform yearly maintenances to ensure fire hydrants are up to code and fully operational in the event of any emergencies.

When emergency water leaks or main breaks occur, our Public Works team steps in. If left unaddressed, these major leaks and breaks can quickly lead to roadway collapses, street cave-ins, and long-term damages to the City's water network. Responding quickly and efficiently is essential. "Depending on the size and severity of a leak, repairs can take anywhere from a few hours to several days," said a spokesperson from the Department. "Some of these pipes are up to 20 inches in diameter and under enormous pressure - around 250 PSI (pounds per square inch) - compared to a typical home's 50 to 60 PSI."

Water mains like the one pictured can be installed as deep as 10 feet underground. To access and repair these water mains, workers must enter deep trenches, which is a hazardous assignment that requires the use of trench shoring equipment to prevent wall collapse and protect the safety of crew members.

Despite the risks and challenges, the team remains dedicated. Whether it is responding to high-pressure blowouts or managing routine activities like inspecting residential and commercial customer water meters and smaller city water lines, the Public Works team plays an essential role in keeping the City's infrastructure running smoothly for residents and businesses alike. "Most people don't see the work we do until there's an emergency," the spokesperson added. "But every day, we're out there - making sure water flows safely and roads stay intact." As the City's infrastructure continues to age, the importance of these unsung heroes becomes clearer than ever. Their efforts ensure not only public safety, but also the continuity and reliability of vital services we all depend on.