A stretch of water main pipe on Laxdal Road will be given the highest priority to be replaced after a series of breaks in recent weeks.
The section of water main between Ridgewood Avenue and Beiko Avenue has had 12 leaks between December 29, 2013 and January 19.
The pipe was installed in 1970 and has interrupted water service for up to 38 homes.
“We recognize the inconvenience and understand the frustration caused by the prolonged disruption to water service,” said Diane Sacher, director of the city’s water and waste department. “We thank the residents on Laxdal Road for their patience and assure them that we have been doing everything we can to repair each leak as quickly as possible. Replacing this section of water main is a priority.”
Over the weekend, police were called to the area after residents became confrontational with City of Winnipeg crews working to fix the most recent leak.
The cost to replace about 400 metres of water main on Laxdal Road will be approximately $500,000. It will be included in the city’s 2014 Water Main Renewal Program and be the first corroded water main to be replaced with new PVC pipe this year.
Construction can begin no sooner than late April or early May when the ground thaws.