Water System Project Guide

General Information

The Water System is responsible for more than 1,300 miles of water pipelines throughout Grand Rapids. These water pipelines, also called water mains, deliver high quality drinking water to your tap. 

We replace or rehabilitate aging and vulnerable water mains each year. Below you will find answers to most questions that arise during these projects 

Construction activities may occur Monday through Saturday, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., in accordance with City ordinance. However, most work is anticipated to take place Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Local and emergency access will be maintained.

For most projects, traffic will continue in both directions. In some cases, traffic flow may be maintained with restrictions. Full road closures are uncommon and are used only when necessary.

Street parking may be restricted within the project area between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow construction activities to proceed safely and on schedule. When parking restrictions are required, temporary "No Parking" signs will be posted along the curb before construction begins. Residents will typically be notified of parking restrictions one to two days in advance.

Trash and recycling collection will continue as normal during construction. Please place your bins in their usual location the night before your scheduled collection day. Bins that are not placed out in advance may be missed.

If construction activities prevent collection vehicles from accessing your street, the contractor will move bins to an accessible location for pickup and return them afterward.

Mail delivery will also continue as normal throughout the project.

If a temporary water shutdown is necessary, the City or its contractor will notify affected residents and businesses in advance whenever possible.

After water service has been restored, changes in pressure may dislodge mineral deposits that have built up inside household plumbing. Running cold water from faucets throughout your home for a few minutes can help clear the lines.

If you notice reduced water pressure after service is restored, check your faucet aerators and remove any debris that may have collected. Follow these instructions to flush your water line.

Construction progress may be affected by weather conditions, material availability, scheduling conflicts, and unforeseen emergencies. 

Some projects may require the replacement of driveway approaches or sidewalks. This work typically takes approximately 5–7 days to complete. If your driveway is affected, you may not have access to it during this time. The contractor will coordinate with you in advance and provide information about any access restrictions.

The contractor will work with affected businesses to minimize disruptions. In some cases, driveway approaches may be replaced in phases, such as one-half at a time, to help maintain access.

During construction activities directly in front of or within your driveway approach, access may be temporarily restricted for periods ranging from 30 minutes to two hours.

There are things you can do to limit the effects of construction on your business. We work with contractors to do our best to resolve any issues that may come up. Completing a construction project efficiently is in everyone's best interest. Keep in mind that after construction is done, the roads surrounding your business are likely to be construction free for years. 

Types of Projects

Cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) is a trenchless rehabilitation method used to repair damaged underground pipes without digging trenches. It involves inserting a flexible, resin-saturated fabric liner into the old pipe, which is then inflated and cured (hardened) to create a brand-new, jointless, and durable pipe inside the old one. Compared to traditional open-cut construction methods, CIPP can reduce project timelines by as much as 75 percent, including restoration activities. Once completed, the rehabilitated water main is expected to last approximately 80 years.

CIPP Before and After

This is the general process followed:

Step 1: Access Pit Excavation
The contractor begins by excavating access pits to the water main at the valve, tee, cross, and hydrant locations. For safety, excavation boxes or shoring systems are installed in the pits, and the work areas are secured with barricades.

Step 2: Temporary Water System Installation
An above-ground temporary water system is installed, including temporary water mains and service lines to individual properties. The temporary system is disinfected, chlorinated, and tested before customers are transitioned from the existing water main.

Step 3: Water Meter Removal
The contractor schedules appointments with residents and property owners to temporarily remove water meters for the duration of the project. During this period, water and sewer usage will be estimated and billed based on each property's annual average consumption.

Step 4: Transition to Temporary Service
Residents are connected to the temporary water system, allowing the existing water main to be taken out of service for rehabilitation.

Step 5: Cleaning and Inspection
The contractor accesses the out-of-service water main through the excavation pits. The pipe is cleaned using a metal chain reamer and inspected with closed-circuit television (CCTV) equipment to identify service locations. Specialized robotic equipment is then used to install plugs at service connections.

Step 6: Pipe Lining Installation
After cleaning and inspection are complete, a new liner is inserted into the existing water main. Epoxy resin is injected, and hot water is circulated to cure the liner, creating a new structural pipe within the existing pipe.

Step 7: Reconnection of the Water Main
The rehabilitated water main is reconnected at access pit locations by installing new valves, tees, crosses, and short sections of water main. Specialized robotic equipment is used to reopen and reconnect water services.

Step 8: Testing and Disinfection
The contractor fills the rehabilitated water main and performs hydrostatic pressure testing. The pipe is then disinfected, flushed, and tested to ensure it meets water quality standards.

Step 9: Meter Reinstallation and Service Restoration
The contractor or City contacts residents and property owners to reinstall water meters. Customers are transitioned from the temporary water system back to the rehabilitated water main.

Step 10: Restoration and Project Completion
Once service has been restored, the contractor removes the temporary water system and completes right-of-way restoration, including paving access pit locations, to finish the project.

The contractor will need access to your basement for a few hours to replace the pipe. Typically, the new water pipe is installed underground with minimal disruption to the yard. Property owners must provide adequate access to the water meter and plumbing. Any areas disturbed will be repaired by the contractor.

For more details please visit the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. page.