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Brockton’s Twin 24-inch CI Transmission Mains

Abstract | The city of Brockton, Massachusetts, is not alone in facing serious challenges associated with aging infrastructure, shrinking revenue from decreasing trends in water usage, and resulting deferments of critical maintenance work. The result of this situation was demonstrated in 2015, when one of the city’s two transmission mains ruptured, triggering an emergency response.

Unfortunately, the long-term effects of deferred maintenance resulted in a system of inoperable control valves and crossover valves between the mains. The entire system needed to be shut down for about 7.5-miles, and supplemental supplies were brought online while the city went into emergency restrictions and repair mode.

The line was repaired with service restored within two days, but better information was needed regarding the condition of these two mains to plan improvements to redundancy and valve operability. An in-line leak detection and location program was planned and implemented. This paper reviews the planning and execution of the condition assessment program in conjunction with the design and construction of system improvements.

Authors: Ian W. Mead, P.E., BCEE, Vice President; Tighe & Bond,  Patrick Hill, Commissioner of Public Works; City of Brockton, Lawrence Rowley, Retired Commissioner of Public Works, City of Brockton