PORT ANGELES — The city of Port Angeles will replace a reservoir valve on Jones Street starting this weekend.
Work is set to begin Sunday and be completed during the first week of August.
As part of the project, a planned reduction in water pressure is necessary, according to a press release. The low-pressure period is expected to begin July 28 and be fully restored by Aug. 1.
During that time, “all water utility customers” are asked to conserve water and limit it to necessary activities such as drinking, cooking and basic hygiene, Capital Projects Engineer Vince McIntyre said.
“An old, worn-out valve is being replaced with a new valve to continue providing potable water service to homes and businesses,” McIntyre said.
He noted that the pressure will be lower and not low.
“With minor conservation contributions from everyone, no one should experience low water pressure conditions,” he said.
“A full reservoir, one with high water levels, has sustained water pressure and is able to reliably deliver water to residences when they turn on the tap. An empty reservoir, with low water levels and pressure, will not.”
City residents will be asked to restrict activities such as lawn watering, filling pools and washing cars, according to the press release.
Reduced water pressure will vary by location and could be observed citywide, McIntyre said.
“However, residences and businesses in neighborhoods closest to the Jones Street Reservoir will likely experience the most noticeable reduction in pressure,” he said. “At most, the water pressure in these neighborhoods is expected to be reduced by up to one-third, or roughly -20 psi. With two-thirds of their normal operating pressure remaining, no one is at risk of experiencing true low water pressure conditions.”
McIntyre recommended city residents sign up to receive public notices.
“You can sign up to receive ‘News Flashes’ on the city’s website, and email notifications from the city will be delivered directly to your inbox,” he said. “This is a well-vetted project that has been carefully planned and prepared for construction. However, as with all underground projects, unanticipated conditions can occur. Should that happen, the city will be quick to communicate any important information to the community via ‘News Flash’ and through the city’s Public Works & Utilities Facebook page.”
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Reporter Emily Hanson can be reached by email at emily.hanson@peninsuladailynews.com.
