UMATILLA RECEIVES $4 MILLION TO REPLACE CITY-WIDE WATER MAINS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 15, 2014

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850-245-2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

UMATILLA RECEIVES $4 MILLION TO REPLACE CITY-WIDE WATER MAINS

~Funding crucial to upgrade aging infrastructure~

TALLAHASSEE – Umatilla will soon begin a city-wide project to replace all water mains thanks to a $4 million investment from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The majority of piping being replaced is between 30 and 60 years old. 

“Senator Hays made it very clear to us that the current water main network in Umatilla has reached the end of its lifeline,” said DEP Secretary Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “This project is crucial to ensure the residents, businesses and fire department receive adequate supply of good, clean water.” 

“I am pleased Governor Scott and Secretary Vinyard agree the renovation of the Umatilla water system is a matter of crucial importance to the health and well-being of all the citizens of Umatilla,” said Sen. Alan Hays. “I look forward to seeing the completed project in the near future.” 

“I am pleased to hear about the finalized contract between the city of Umatilla and the Department of Environmental Protection, which will allow the city to make a critical replacement of their water main system," said Rep. Bryan Nelson. “This $4,000,000 replacement project is urgently needed to help ensure that the citizens of Umatilla continue to enjoy the high quality of life that the residents have come to expect. I applaud the DEP and the leaders of Umatilla for coming to this important agreement.” 

On Aug. 7, 2014, an emergency meeting of the Umatilla City Council was held related to a loss of chlorine residuals in an area serving 16 families. The issues were traced to the waterline serving these homes. The city then approved the emergency replacement of 1,800 feet of deteriorated 2 inch galvanized water line with an 8 inch PVC line. 

This emergency situation prompted the city to evaluate the 30-mile distribution piping networked throughout Umatilla. The city also determined it was time to upgrade the system that currently serves 1,411 residential and 259 commercial customers. 

The majority of the current pipes are 6 inches and made of concrete. The system pipe sizes and pressure are not adequate for fire protection. This large-scale project will bring the piping up to the current standard of PVC pipes, 8 inches or greater. 

The project is expected to be completed by the end of December 2017.