Town alerts residents to higher water pressure

Springfield's water users were warned by town officials to be on alert for possible problems in their homes from increased water pressure.

http://www.vermonttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/RH/20101002/NEWS02/710029915 Published October 2, 2010 in the Rutland Herald          Town alerts residents to higher water pressure          By Susan Smallheer Staff Writer          SPRINGFIELD — After millions of dollars of improvements to the town’s water system over the past two summers, now comes the payoff — increased water pressure throughout the town.          But town officials are worried there may be too much of a good thing for older homes with older plumbing. They sent out a letter Friday to all residents on the town’s water system that they should make sure they have plumbing protections in place to control the higher pressures, such as a pressure reducing valve and a back-flow valve.          Town Manager Robert Forguites said that the changes won’t affect anyone in the town’s “valley zone,” which includes areas such as Main Street and Clinton Street, leading to the Southern State Correctional Facility.          But since much of downtown Springfield is built on hills, a big portion of the town will be directly affected by the increased pressure, Forguites said.          “It’s a good idea to check your plumbing,” said Forguites.          On average, residents in the “hill zone” will see an increase of approximately 35 psi, or pounds per square inch.          The preferred water pressure is between 60 and 80 psi, Forguites noted. But residents in the hill zone may experience pressure in excess of 80 psi.          Water Superintendent Jeff Strong told the Springfield Select Board earlier this week that his crew was starting to fill the new 1 million gallon storage tank behind Union Street School.          Select Board member Michael Knoras expressed concern about property owners who didn’t know their plumbing and might not be able to get a hold of a plumber in time.          Select Board member John Swanson urged Forguites to get the letter out as soon as possible. “There’s a limited number of plumbers in town,” Swanson said. “People need to make sure you have working valves, that’s your first defense.”          Select Board member Terri Benson said that there were many closed-up houses in Springfield at this time of year, or even vacant homes, and wondered what the impact would be there.          If leaks or problems arise, Strong said, the town can cut off service to that property.          “Strong said that anyone who has a new home or done a remodeling project recently probably already has the pressure reducing valve already installed.          Forguites said he estimated that the cost of installing the pressure reducing value would be about $100, including parts and labor.          Strong said that if the water pressure isn’t controlled, it could damage the plumbing in the home, including a hot water heater or boiler.          Until the various construction projects, which were started last summer and almost are completed, some residents had water pressure far below normal standards.          In one instance, a resident on Elm Hill didn’t have enough pressure to take a shower, he said.          Forguites’ letter, which was sent to residents Friday, included a list of all the addresses that would likely be affected by the pressure increase. He noted that he himself, a resident of North Springfield, was on the list.          The town owns and maintains the water line to the curb stop of any building, he said, making it the homeowner’s or business owner’s responsibility to maintain the pressure control valve on their property.          Forguites said he expected that the work on the pressure increase would be completed around Oct. 15, and residents have until then to check their own plumbing or have a plumber do it.          The town’s water department is also available to answer questions, he said, at 886-2208. If the water department is closed when a problem develops, residents should call the police department dispatch at 885-2113, he said.           http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20101002/NEWS02/710029915