Union Street Waterline Replacement Project
At the start of 2025, Spartanburg Water will begin the process of replacing nearly 20,000 feet, or almost four miles, of waterline along Union Street, running from E. Henry St. and Keltner Avenue.
The main, 14-inch cast iron line was originally installed in 1941 to serve the World War II Camp Croft military installation southeast of the City, with additional smaller lines that exceed 100 years of age. Spartanburg Water is committed to ongoing improvements to our infrastructure, and with the assistance of a SCIIP grant from the state, we are excited to be able to provide a new waterline that will offer residents and businesses along the Union Street corridor exceptional and reliable water service for many years to come.
Project FAQ:
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What is the Union Street Waterline Replacement Project?
Spartanburg Water will be replacing existing waterlines located along Union Street from E. Henry Street to Keltner Avenue.
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Why is this replacement project necessary?
This water distribution system supplies safe drinking water to the homes and businesses in this area, and it is critical to keep water flowing to you and your family or business. (Private service lines from each home or business are connected to this main pipe.) Some of the existing waterlines have been in place more than 100 years and have reached the end of their useful life. Repairs to waterline breaks in this aging distribution system have increased in recent years, adding to the cost of maintaining and keeping it in service. The existing cast iron pipe will be replaced with new ductile iron pipe, made to last for the next 100 years.
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What are the benefits to me of the replacement project?
Line breaks often result in the disruption of water service. The new lines will provide better service and require fewer repairs, so there will be fewer disruptions on your water service and less inconvenience from the presence of our work crews. Replacement of the line is also a better use of ratepayers’ money, as lost water and frequent line repairs impact operational costs for the entire system.
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Who will be doing the work?
Crews from a licensed, third party contractor, Two Brothers Utilities, will be performing the work, and will be dedicated solely to this project.
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What steps will Spartanburg Water take to reduce any inconveniences to me and my neighbors while work is being done on this project?
This project is important and will help ensure reliable water service far into the future; we are sensitive to the impact that it may have and we are taking steps where possible to minimize any impact:
- For safety, the trench will be backfilled at the end of each day except where tie into the existing lines are required. These areas will be barricaded or metal plates placed on the pavement before leaving the site.
- Because of waterline proximity along and in some cases under the streets, the installation of the new waterlines may require temporary lane or street closures. As mentioned above, the trench will be backfilled at the end of each day. The streets will be reopened at the end of each day.
- Pipe for the project will be stored and delivered as needed as opposed to “stringing” pipes for the entire project.
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How will the work be done?
Most of the new waterline will be placed within the streets paved area adjacent to the curb; however some sections will be installed within and across the travel lanes. To complete the work as safely and efficiently as possible, while also reducing impacts to individual water service, the contractor’s crew will construct the project in the following sequence:
- Saw cut the asphalt pavement, excavate the ditch and install the new water line.
- When all pipeline and hydrants on street are installed, test the new waterline.
- Change over individual customer services from the old line to the new line.
- Install pavement patch over the waterline trench.
- Following the completion of the waterline replacement project, the South Carolina Department of Transportation will resurface the entire width of Union Street as a separate project.
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What is the schedule and working hours for the project?
The project work should begin the week of December 30, 2024 and anticipate the project taking approximately a year to complete. Crews will be on site each morning between 7 - 8 a.m. and will work until they reach a good place to stop for the day, approximately 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Crews will be making every effort to stay well within our expected timeline, so any delays for anything other than weather impacts will need to be minimized.
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Will there be any impacts to my water service?
The existing water meters are located in yards and sidewalks. Once the new waterlines are installed, your service will be transferred from the existing line to the new line, which requires a brief interruption of service. Spartanburg Water/Two Brothers Utilities will notify you 24-hours before this change-over is scheduled. While we will try to minimize impacts, particles may be released from the service line during the work. Following this change-over, it is recommended that you take the following steps before using water for drinking or cooking:
- Remove faucet aerators (or screens).
- Flush interior faucets and fixtures with cold water for several minutes.
- Clean the inside of aerators before reinstalling on faucets.
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Will I be allowed to drive to and from my home or business while the work is being done?
Yes. To the extent possible, one side of the street will be open at all times except when working where the line actually crosses a street. This will only be a few times and of short duration. Driveways will remain open except during the immediate timeframe of construction activities in front of the residence or business. You will be notified prior to your driveway being crossed so that you can make suitable arrangements. For the safety of one-way travel, parking on the street should be avoided throughout the entire segment under construction.
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Will there be any impacts to either my driveway or my yard?
Waterline installation will predominately be done between 3 and 6 feet inside the concrete curb or edge of pavement, except where it crosses the street, and thus should not require any disturbance of either driveways or yards for main line installation. Impacts to yards will be required for reconnection of the service line to the water meter or if a fire hydrant needs to be replaced. Typically, meters and fire hydrants are located just off the curb in the right-of-way, so digging along the yard front would be required. Once all construction activities are completed, all driveways and yards will be restored.
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Who do I contact for more information?
The project contact is Hal Morris, our Project Engineer. You can contact him at hmorris@spartanburgwater.org or by phone at (864) 598-7218.
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